Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Social Security (Short-Term Benefits) (Transitional) Regulations 1974 and the Social Security (Maternity Allowance) (Transitional) Regulations 1974.

Persons who were insured under the National Insurance Act 1965 (c.51) and who claim unemployment or sickness benefit or maternity allowance under the Social Security Act 1975 for certain days after 1st January 1977 which form part of a period of interruption of employment commencing on or before that date will according to the circumstances be able to satisfy the contribution conditions by reference to certain contributions paid or credited under the earlier Act or by reference to the year ending 5th April 1976.

The Regulations apply to invalidity benefit the provisions which now apply to requalification for sickness benefit after exhaustion of right to it by a person who was a contributor under the Act of 1965.

The Regulations revoke regulation 6 of the Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 1975 which is spent.