ALLOWABLE INCOME FOR BENEFICIARIES NOW TO BE 30S. A WEEK

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 December 1949, Page 6

ALLOWABLE INCOME FOR BENEFICIARIES NOW TO BE 30S. A WEEK

WELLINGTON, Yesterday (PA).As from January 1 social security beneficiaries and war veterans will be allowed to earn £1 10s, compared with Ihe former £1 weekly allowable as other income. This was announced by the Minister of Social Security, Mr

Watts, following a Cabinet meeting this morning.

in line with the policy of the Government as enunciated duriqg the general election campaign, but. the decision arrived at this morning went considerably further than was proposed at the time the National Party s policy was issued. The proposal in the policy applied only to recipients of age and widow benefits. "Cabinet has now given further careful consideration to lhe position ot other classes of beneficiaries,” said the Minister, "and it has decided to extend the provision for higher allowlable income to Ihe following classes of social security beneficiaries; —Invalidity, sickness, emergency and unemployment. This decision recognises the increased burden that all beneficiaries have to bear because of the increasing cost of living, and it is hoped that increased provision for private earning and extension of benefits to additional classes will be of material assistance to those able to take advantage of it. There will be an incentive for such beneficiaries to undertake extra work with advantage to themselves and the country, thus complying with the Government’s aim of increased production.” The Minister added that his department had been instructed to arrange for an immediate review of all benefits affected, and an endeavour would be made for any extra money due to be made available early in the New Year.