Big demand for grants from Social Welfare

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 4

Big demand for grants from Social Welfare

More people than ever before have sought emergency grants from the Social Welfare Department in Christchurch this Christmas. Although figures were not available department staff had noticed a definite increase in applications, said the assistant director, benefits, Mr Cliff Money, yesterday. Food had been provided for most of the families which had sought help. Some large cash grants had been made to families in exceptional circumstances,

said Mr Money. It was not clear whether the increased demand for grants had been because the economic climate was tougher or because more people were aware of the emergency grant system, he said. Although the emergency grants were used mainly by beneficiaries, they were available to anyone. Those who had applied for help either had problems with their budget or had not budgeted at all. Some had been faced with unexpected bills, said Mr

Money. Some people had “just gone out and spent, then found they had no money. It is the time of year when people just go out and buy things.” Mr Money said parents on benefits were obliged to budget, more so than people on higher incomes. “But there is a lot of pressure on parents, from commerce generally, and the in-built pressure from children with their expectations for Christmas. “Parents tend to spend more at this time of year

but those on benefits have to realise the benefit is not going to provide a lavish Christmas,” he said. Most of the money given out by the department would not be recovered, but some people had offered to pay back larger sums. These would be deducted from benefit payments during the year. In Auckland the department paid out thousands of dollars in emergency benefits for hundreds of people who had run out of money in the holidays, the Press Association reports.