Benefits basis not changed

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32975, 22 July 1972, Page 3

Benefits basis not changed

(New Zealand Press Association) ; WELLINGTON, July 21. No change would be made in the former basis for calculating supplementary assistance, the Associate Minister of Social Welfare (Mr Highet) announced today.

All beneficiaries receiving 1 supplementary assistance; ] would get the full amount of the recent increases in basic benefit rates—ss.9o a week ] for single and $4 a week for married beneficiaries. The Royal Commission on (social security had recommended that the cost of living formula used in the assessment of supplementary ‘assistance be reconsidered and reconstructed. “In the light of this recom- ; mendation, the Government , adjusted the basis of granting I supplementary assistance to beneficiaries. But as the result of a further study it has now been decided that :no reductions will be made,”’ Mr Highet said. No further review, as recommended by the Royal Commission, would now be (made. Mr Highet said that if: any beneficiaries were in , doubt about their eligibility ] for supplementary assistance, ' they should get in touch with j the local branch of the Social I 1 i Welfare Department.

A pamphlet is available at every branch giving full information about supplementary assistance.