INSTALMENT IN 1940

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 17

INSTALMENT IN 1940

£lO A YEAR TO START

OTHER BENEFITS AS FORECAST

WIDER TAXATION RANGE

The gradual introduction of universal superannuation, without a means test, eventually replacing the " age benefit," or contributory old-age pension, is the most important new proposal contained in the Social Security Bill, which was presented to the House of Representatives yesterday by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. The bill provides that from April 1, 1940, all citizens over 65 shall be entitled to receive £lO per annum. This sum is to be increased by £2 10s yearly until £7B per annum is reached. Meanwhile the age benefit of £7B per annum will be paid to persons over 60 who satisfy the means test and are otherwise eligible. A contribution of Is in the pound of wages, salaries and other income is to be made by all persons ordinarily resident in New Zealand who are over the age of 16. The registration fee, corresponding to the present employment levy, will be 5s per annum for women and all persons under 20, and 5s a quarter for others. Persons receiving superannuation will not contribute and a discretionary power is given to relieve individuals from payment in cases of hardship. , In regard to benefits other than those mentioned, the bill generally conforms to the scheme as outlined last April, and to the recommendations of the Parliamentary committee. The free general practitioner, hospital and pharmaceutical benefits are to apply to every person over 1 6 ordinarily resident in New Zealand. Doctors are to have some freedom to choose their patients and patients their doctors. Maternity benefits cover medical and nursing attention in hospital or the patient's home. Patients in State mental hospitals will be maintained free. Friendly society members and persons drawing sick pay or money from sick funds are to be entitled to full State sickness benefit, with certain limitations. An unemployment benefit on the same scale as the sickness benefit is provided for fit persons temporarily awaiting work.