Reciprocal Social Security Benefits With U.K. Sought By R.S.A.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 June 1948, Page 5

Reciprocal Social Security Benefits With U.K. Sought By R.S.A.

(P.A.) Wellington. June 25. The NZ.R.S.A. conference, following the receipt of the report of its pensions committee, decided to urge the Government to institute reciprocal arrangements for the transfer of social security contribution credits between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This, it was stated, was expected to make possible the invalidity and age benefits under the two schemes to emigrants and immigrants in a shorter time than is at present necessary in New Zealand with the statutory 20 years’ residential proviso.

Reference was made to the alarming increase in the number of exservicemen (including home servicemen) found to be suffering from advanced tuberculosis 18 months to two years after their discharge. The men had been examined when discharged. It was decided that the association take action to have periodical examinations of ex-servicemen made and to persuade the men to submit to the examinations. It was considered, the report stated, that the legislation affecting payment of pensions should be amended to include provisions that bona fide residents. who were members of Mercantile Marine at the time of their discharge. should be eligible to receive benefits. The conferences was of the opinion that the provisions, of Social Security Act and its relevant regulations preventing the payment of family benefit allowance for an ex-serviceman repatriated in New Zealand after service with the armed forces other than those of the Dominion until he had been resident in this country for one year after his return, be amended so that payments could be obtained. At present, the benefit would only be allowed within a year following the recommendation of the director of social security on the grounds of hardship, it was stated. Emphatic adherence to the principle of compulsory national service was reaffirmed by the conference. Confidence was expressed in any further action the Joint Defence Committee of the N.Z.R S.A. .the Home Sen’icemen’s Association and the Air Force Association might feel called upon to make in order to keep the urgency of the matter before the Government. The committee had prepared plans for any further action that might appear necessary and these had been approved by the Dominion Executive Committee and funds made available, it was stated.