Explanatory Notes

Welfare Reform Act 2012

2012 CHAPTER 5

8 March 2012

Commentary on Sections

Part 5: Social security: General

Section 100: Payments to joint claimants

490.Section 100 amends section 5 of SSAA 1992. The amendment will apply in respect of the payment of all relevant social security benefits dealt with under the Act.

491.The section inserts a new subsection (3B) into section 5 allowing regulations to set out the person to whom a benefit is paid where the benefit is awarded to a couple jointly. Subsection (3B) provides that the Secretary of State may determine that the couple should nominate a lead individual to receive payment of the benefit. Alternatively the Secretary of State may determine to which member of the couple the payment will be made.