The Social Security (Electronic Communications) (Carer’s Allowance) Order 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987 (“the Claims and Payments Regulations”) and the Social Security (Notification of Change of Circumstances) Regulations 2001 so as to make provision for claims for, and the notifying of a change of circumstance relevant to an award of, carer’s allowance, to be made electronically.

Article 2 amends the Claims and Payments Regulations. Article 2(1) amends regulation 2 of those regulations inserting new definitions into that regulation. Article 2(2) inserts a new regulation 4ZC, which authorises the use of electronic communication to make a claim for, and to provide any certificate, notice, information or evidence connected with a claim for carer’s allowance subject to the provisions set out in Schedule 9ZC. Article 2(3) inserts a new regulation 32ZA, which provides for the giving of information in relation to carer’s allowance to be given by means of an electronic communication subject to the provisions set out in Schedule 9ZC. Article 2(4) inserts a new Schedule 9ZC; this Schedule authorises the Secretary of State to use electronic communications in connection with claims for, and awards of, carer’s allowance. It also sets out the conditions to be satisfied where a claim for carer’s allowance is made by means of electronic communication and makes other provisions which apply to any electronic communication made in connection with carer’s allowance.

Article 3 adds a new paragraph (1ZA) to regulation 5 of the Social Security (Notification of Change of Circumstances) Regulations 2001 to provide that where a change of circumstances is notified in respect of carer’s allowance for the purposes of section 111A(1A) to (1G) and 112(1A) to (1F) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, by an electronic communication, the provisions set out in Schedule 9ZC to the Claims and Payments Regulations apply to that notification.

Article 4 revokes the Social Security (Electronic Communications) (Child Benefit) Order 2002 (S.I.2002/1789) (“the Child Benefit Order”). The provisions inserted into the Claims and Payments Regulations by the Child Benefit Order have been revoked by the Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance (Administration) Regulations 2003 (S.I.2003/492).

This Order does not impose a charge on business.