Pensions Rates: Health Benefits

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 189, 12 August 1938, Page 9

Pensions Rates: Health Benefits

Government Proposes Modified Means Test

Providing for superannuation at the rate of 30/ a week r every eligible adult over the age of 60, and for a free national medical service in New Zealand, the Government's Social Security Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash.

While following generally the outline already given of the scope of the joint scheme, the bill contains two important new proposals. One inaugurates universal superannuation on a modified basis 12 months after the launching of the scheme, aid the other provides for the setting up of a tribunal with final authority to determine major questions affecting the employment of anyone who serves under the health scheme.

The graduated superannuation, scale to be inaugurated on April 1, 1940, will begin at £10 a year for all who do not qualify under the other provisions, and will rise by annual increments of £2 1 0/ until a payment of 30/ a week is reached.

Besides aged people the benefits to be provided at the outset cover families, widows, orphans, invalids, miners, the unemployed, those who are sick and incapacitated, and war veterans. The. sickness benefits will range from 10/ a week for single persons up to a maximum of £4 a week for breadwinners with large families. Veterans of the Great War will be provided for in a bill later in the session.

A tax of 1 / in the £ on all salaries, wages and other incomes, and a registration levy of 5/ a quarter are to be imposed as a direct contribution for the support of the joint scheme. The present employment tax is to be superseded in April next and the fund to be abolished six months later.

All doctors will be eligible to join the medical scheme, and patients will have a right of choice of medical practitioners.

A Social Security Department will be set up, replacing the present Pensions Department, and may absorb certain branches of other Departments. It will be under the control of three commissioners, under the direction of the Minister.