Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Jersey) Order 1974: Benefit time limits for evidence

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made on 23 November 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2012-0094
Decision Summary Title :	Benefit time limits for evidence		Date of Decision Summary:	20 November 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Policy Principal		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Benefit time limits for evidence		Date of Written Report:	20 November 2012
Written Report Author:	Policy Principal		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Jersey) Order 1974 – Time limits for evidence when obtaining benefit.
Decision(s): The Minister has determined that certain time limits will apply for the submission of evidence for the obtaining payment of benefit under Article 15(1) of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Jersey) Order 1974.
Reason(s) for Decision: Article 15(1) of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides that benefit claimants must furnish such evidence as is required in such manner and at such times as the Minister may determine. The Minister has determined that, as a condition on which any sums of benefit are payable, where the Social Security Department has requested any evidence (such as certificates, documents, information or facts) to substantiate a claim for benefit, certain time limits will apply within which that evidence must be submitted to the Department. This allows benefit claims to be closed if evidence is not provided by a claimant within a reasonable period of time following the Department’s request for that evidence.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Policy Principal to advise relevant Social Security Officers of this decision.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):