‘Dangers’ in benefit

Press, 28 August 1978, Page 1

‘Dangers’ in benefit

The new criteria for domestic purposes benefits raise grave dangers because they denigrate the economic aspects of marriage, according to a member of the national executive of the Association of Social Workers, Mrs Leonie Stewart, speaking in Christchurch yesterday. An amendment to the Social Security Act has changed the criteria of a de facto relationship from “living on a domestic basis as husband and wife” to having "entered into a relationship in the nature of marriage.”

“What criteria are departmental officers to use in assessing a person’s eligibility for a D.P.8.?” said Mrs Stewart.

“Is it going to be based on how many times the bed is shared?”

“Solo parents, social service agencies, and the community need to know what criteria are being used,” she said. The omission of the “domestic basis” concept removed from sight — and possibly from mind — the clear understanding that the economic side of marriage, or of a “relationship in the nature of marriage,” was as fundamental to it as were the legal and emotional sides. The Government’s move had endangered the rights of those receiving or seeking to receive a benefit to support themselves and their children.