“Confusion Over Widows’ Rights”

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32386, 27 August 1970, Page 16

“Confusion Over Widows’ Rights”

(N.Z. Preu Association) WELLINGTON,' August 26. The rights of widows should be more effectively published, the Royal Commission on social security was told today. Presenting submissions from the Manawatu Social Service Centre, Palmerston North, a social worker, Mr A. R. Bowden said confusion during the days after the death of a husband Arose from the fact that widows were not previously informed about their rights. This finding was among the results of a survey carried out this year in the Manawatu to find out the position of widows in an urban New Zealand centre, and how social service programmes assisted them within the first three years of the death of their husbands.

Of 34 widows who applied for a benefit after the death of their husband 20 said there was a time-lag of up to a month or more before the first payment was made. This aspect of the service to widows also warranted further study, Mr Bowden said. A high proportion of respondents who were widows benefit beneficiaries (under 60 years of age), felt the amount paid was inadequate and a few expressed strong views on this inadequacy.

Seventy-three of the widows in the sample had television sets, but many commented that it was not possible to take part in community entertainment because these were too expensive for those on a benefit. Television was one of the few pleasures they now enjoyed and it was therefore necessary to have a set. Transport was evidently a problem for most widows interviewed, and some suggested there should be some provision within the benefit scheme for help with such costs. It also appeared that the loss of the male help from the home situation meant the widow had to cope with tasks physically beyond her. Some suggested that there should be some financial provision for the employment of male help. “Those widows on benefits which are subject to a means test need to give up certain pleasures,” Mr Bowden said “This implies that the means test tends to operate somewhat harshly.” The present policy of the Social Security Commission had deterred superannuitants

from applying to serve with the Volunteer Service Abroad the director of V.S.A. (Mr G A. Skipper) submitted. “Our submission is that the full entitlement of superannuation benefit should not be affected by temporary absence from New Zealand as a V.S.A. volunteer,” he said. Neither should entitlement to family benefit be affected by the temporary absence from New Zealand of parents serving with the organisation. All volunteers serving abroad made a financial sacrifice. They were provided with

free accommodation and a living allowance. The total allowance averaged about $7OO a year and was only sufficient for food of a modest standard and pocket money The service provided by V.S.A. was much sought after by developing countries. At present 60 assignments were unfulfilled, many of these were for volunteers with qualifications and skills developed through long work experience. “In this context the superannuitant volunteer is of considerable importance,” Mr Skipper said.