SOCIAL SECURITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 95, 22 April 1940, Page 9

SOCIAL SECURITY

REFUND OF BENEFITS

EXCESS EARNINGS

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

The opinion. that the provisions of the Social Security Act which make it necessary for those in receipt of benefits to submit, at required periods, particulars of their earnings were vexatious and a hardship was expressed by a member of a deputation which waited on 'the Acting Minister of Social 'Security (the Hon. W. E. Parry) today. Mr. Parry said Parliament had expressly provided that the benefits should be based on the income from all sources received by the applicant or beneficiary. "Unfortunately," the Minister added, "there have been a few cases where persons in receipt of benefits have, after a while, been able to earn fairly good annual incomes. Some have voluntarily notified the Social Security Department that their improved health has enabled them to earn regular wages of an amount over that allowed by the Act, and, as a consequence, they have asked that their Social Security benefits be cancelled. Others, however, leave it to the Department to find out whether they are earning more than the Act allows. Several have complained that it is a hardship to be called upon to make refunds of over-payments. The law makes that necessary, and whatever the circumstances of the person, an over-payment made because of previously undisclosed earnings must be refunded. "After all, benefits are paid to persons because of their inability, through various causes, to earn a living. It is fair and reasonable that when beneficiaries are able to earn above the amount the Act stipulates, the Department should be informed. A voluntary statement of the kind makes the position. of all concerned much easier."