WHO TELLS HIE NEEDY?

Press, 7 December 1978, Page 21

WHO TELLS HIE NEEDY?

Needy families on low incomes are obviously not aware that the Social Welfare Department has a special assistance scheme designed for them. Only three have asked for it — and only one has been given out.

Called the needy family assistance scheme, it was reactivated this year under Section 6lg ot the Social Security Act. That section gives the Social Security Commission the power to grant an emergency benefit in cases of hardship to anyone whom it decides is for any reason unable to earn “a sufficient livelihood for himself and his dependant,” and who is not qualified for any other benefit except the family benefit.

The benefit is paid at the discretion of the Social Welfare Department, and the rate is also at the department’s discretion, except that it may not be more than whatever standard benefit the department considers comparable. The Social Welfare

Department in Christchurch has had only three applications tor the needy families benefit. In two cases the department considered the families’ fortunes had improved since applying and the benefit was not granted. Only one family has been granted the assistance. The department admits that lew people, even among social workers, know of the benefit. “It is difficult for the department to know where the need is," says Miss Mary Chant, of the department's benefits section. “We are dealing with beneficiaries, and we advise them of any extra entitlement, but we don't know about these others — and thev don't know about the scheme." She says the needy families benefit would probably be paid al a maximum rate ol $l6 a week, which is the equivalent of the “additional" benefit ot $lO for a married couple plus accommodation costs of $6 a week.