The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1940 SOCIAL SECURITY SUPERANNUATION

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1940 SOCIAL SECURITY SUPERANNUATION

“Universal superannuation” under the Social Security Act will come into operation on April 1, according to a statement by the Hon. W. E. Parry. The universality of the scheme, however, is somewhat qualified by the announcement that no old-age pensioner already in receipt of his full pension will benefit under the superannuation scheme. This is a fact that will cause considerable surprise among many aged people who were expecting to receive the additional benefit of £lO when superannuation became operative. The Minister is emphatic that any such expectation was mistaken, because “there is no part of the Act that gives any indication of any such thing.” The point has apparently escaped attention and clarification until the eve of the inauguration of the scheme. So far-reaching and so prolific in detail is the whole Social Security Act that it is not surprising that many misunderstandings have arisen and will continue to arise until long experience has been gained of the operation of the Act. The average man or woman even now has a very incomplete appreciation of his or her obligations and privileges under the Act. Certainly a vast amount of literature has been distributed in explanation, but unfortunately the emphasis has been placed mostly upon the benefits, to the neglect of the obligations and limitations. It is still necessary that the Government should issue in the most concise form possible the precise provisions of the Act and a clear instruction to the public what it may and may not expect. Unless that is done there may be further disappointments such as that which has occurred with regard to superannuation. Every person who qualifies will, apparently, be entitled to receive in the year beginning on April 1 next the sum of £lO. That person must be not less than 65 years of age. The payment may be made in a lump sum or in instalments at intervals according to the Government’s decision. But no person may receive two benefits under the Act, so that those in receipt of the full old-age pension will not qualify. Whether other benefits received under the Act impose a similar disqualification is not yet clear. For instance, if a person receives hospital, sickness or any other of the several benefits, will he be debarred from participating in the £lO superannuation ? According to the Minister’s statement that seems to be so, since “no person is entitled to two benefits.” It is desirable that such uncertainties should be removed as soon as possible. While he had no definite information to offer, the Minister expressed the opinion that the general practitioner service would be inaugurated in the near future, “since the medical profession had accepted the maternity benefits scheme.” Although little has been heard in recent months, it is stated that negotiations between the Government and the medical men are still proceeding. From the public’s point of view it is extraordinary that though it has been meeting the “ contributors’ ” obligations ever since the Act came into operation, only now, after twelve months, are the superannuation benefits to be made available, while the general practitioner service is still a rather hazy possibility of the future.