SOCIAL SECURITY

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1942, Page 4

SOCIAL SECURITY

Benefits Increased WELLINGTON, May 21. A number of increases in the Social Security benefits and in pensions are provided for in the Social Security and Pensions Emergency Regulations, 1942, which were gazetted to-night. Under the regulations five per cent, bonuses are to he granted on the age benefits, widow’s benefits, orphan benefits, miners’ benefits and Maori War benefits on the maximum pensions payable. Family benefits are to be increased 50 per cent. For instance, a man receiving a benefit of four shillings pei’ week for each child will receive a bncus of two shillings on each child. In addition, the income allowance to those receiving family allowance is increased from £5 to £5 5s weekly. War veterans’ allowances are also to be increased by five per cert, of the maximum rate.

All economic pensions will be increased bv 15 per cent. Commenting on the increases made the benefits to-night, the Minister cf Social Security, Hon. W. E. Parry, said that the amounts granted were in the form of a bonus to help to meet war conditions.