The Social Security Act 1975

The Social Security Act 1975 received royal assent on 20 March 1975.

The Act set out a range of benefits and entitlements under the social security system and introduced the Invalid Care Allowance for carers. The benefit was available to people who provided regular care to a relative who was severely disabled (and in receipt of Attendance Allowance or other public funding).

People who provided informal care to a family member who was severely disabled were eligible for this benefit. There were, however, many exclusions, including married or cohabiting women and those who had reached pension age.

An opposition amendment was proposed in the House of Commons to widen the scope of the Act to include non-family carers, such as neighbours or friends. However, the amendment failed at vote (Ayes 168, Noes 198).