Review Of Widows’ Benefits Demanded

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30901, 6 November 1965, Page 1

Review Of Widows’ Benefits Demanded

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 5. Birthright New Zealand wants a review of the structure of Social Security benefits paid to widowed and separated mothers with young children. At its annual general meeting in Wellington today it passed a remit asking the Government to review the system described as by one delegate “hopelessly wrong and out of date.” The final motion, by the vice-president (Mr P. T. Gifford) was: “That Birthright make representations to the Government for a complete review of the structure of benefits payable to mothers with young children, taking into account the numbers and varying requirements for their support and well being at various ages.” Mr C. A. Oram, assistantcommissioner of the Social Security Department, said an increase from £6 to £lO in widows’ allowable income I

would encourage widowed mothers to work longer hours, thereby neglecting their children.

This would be in opposition to the purpose of the benefit system which was established to keep families together. Children who had lost one parent were entitled to all the love and aifection they could get from the remaining parent.

Also, of all the groups in this bracket, widows with children were substantially better off than other beneficiaries. They could earn £6 a week, plus their family benefit, while others could earn only £4. Whatever was done for widows, there would be repercussions throughout the rest of the benefit structure.

Mr E. D. Blundell, the chairman of Birthright, said a more effective and quick way of providing for families in financial strife was required. “We want the Government to find ways of coping with cases where families are living below the breadline. We want the money to go where it is needed most. The present system is too universal—it's not elastic enough,” he said.