Dear Director

COMMUNITY SERVICE - INVALIDITY BENEFIT

Summary

1. This circular has been agreed with the Department of Social Security and gives guidance on procedures in relation to offenders undertaking community service who are in receipt of invalidity benefit.

2. Before an offender undertakes the actual work involved in Community Service it should be established if he/she is in receipt of sickness/invalidity benefit or disability allowance and/or special hardship allowance.

3. In cases where an offender in receipt of any of these benefits is expected to return to full health within sufficient time to enable the Community Service Order to be completed, ie 12 months, then the commencement of the Order should be delayed accordingly and no contact with DSS is required.

4. Where such benefits are long-term the local office of DSS should be approached by the community service organiser. The DSS local office will make the necessary arrangements to refer the case to the Adjudication Officer who will decide whether or not the work proposed can be undertaken by the offender without loss of benefit. It is essential that the DSS be given full and clear information in relation to the nature of the work which it is proposed the offender will carry out and the pattern of attendance which will be expected of him.

5. Contact Point

If you have any queries about the contents of this circular, please contact Fiona Kos, Social Work Services Group, Room 13, James Craig Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3BA

(Telephone 0131-244-5440)

Yours faithfully

LESLEY CLARE