Written question asked by Peter Duncan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 December 2002. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether a claim for Disability Living Allowance in respect of ME may be classified as relating to mental illness.

Answer: Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether a claim for Disability Living Allowance in respect of ME may be classified as relating to mental illness. [87128] Maria Eagle: Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance depends on the effects that severe physical or mental disability has on a person's need for personal care and/or their ability to walk, and not on particular disabilities or diagnoses. The benefit is available to people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (which can have a physical basis or a psychological basis, or can be due to a combination of factors) on exactly the same terms as other severely disabled people, and they can qualify for it provided that they meet the usual entitlement conditions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 87128; 396 c855W;396 c853W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Disability Disability living allowance ME/CFS Social security benefits
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk