“NEEDS TEST” FOR BENEFITS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31941, 19 March 1969, Page 14

“NEEDS TEST” FOR BENEFITS

A “needs test” to be applied in the provision of unemployment benefits, old-age pensions and housing, is suggested by a report from a research committee of the University of Canterbury Fabian Society.

On welfare in New Zealand, the report says that a needs test could be set at a liberal level so all who need help get adequate service. This would obviate the need for “supplementary assistance.” The exact criteria, it says, would have to be determined carefully in relation to each welfare service. “The needs test would to some extent involve elements of the quantitative means test in that assessment of income and property might have to be made. “But the value of such a test is that it is a recognition that each case is unique,” the report says. “The test would involve primarily qualitative judgments of individual cases by social workers and administrators.

“Because the test would be set at a liberal level where quantitative measures are

concerned, it would ensure that all who need help get it, and only those who clearly do not need help would be denied it.” The report says that such a test should be applied in relation to services where some determination of relative need must be made so that abuses are minimised and

help is given those who have a real need. The report says the tests should not be applied to services where it is irrelevant or undesirable medical services, rehabilitation, superannuation, education and employment services. Specific proposals for extending social security include free dental care, optical benefits, home nursing and domestic services, and health education. It also urges establishment of a Ministry of Social Welfare and says social work, such as that carried out by the Child Welfare Division, should be well integrated with the administration of benefits. More social workers are needed to focus attention on the problems of people who may be unnecessarily relying on benefits the report says. It says there is a need for more research into social conditions, and says welfare agencies are to a large extent “working in the dark.” On employment and manpower, the report says that New Zealand has only the rudimentary elements of an active manpower policy. It suggests vocational training and retraining services, creation of productive em-

ployment through “development areas,” and employment assistance services. “Labour market policy should be administered by a public body which could be either a Ministry of Labour and Employment or a public board. All the health services of the country, the report says, their administration, medical benefits and related matter should be completely reviewed by an independent body.