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The number of applications received and dealt with, during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946, was — Age- Invalids' Benefits. Benefits. Applications received and those outstanding at the beginning of year*.. .. .. .. .. 94 15 Applications granted .. .. .. 57 7 Applications rejected .. .. .. .. 17 5 Outstanding at 31st March, 1946 .. .. 20 3 The number of reciprocal benefits in force as at 31st March, 1946 was — Age-benefits .. .. .. .. .. .. 117 Invalids' benefits .. .. .. .. 40 Total .. .. .. .. * ..157 This shows an increase of 55 (47 age and 8 invalids' benefits) over the figures as at 31st March, 1945. Due to increases in Australian pensions, from sth July, 1945, the maximum rate for reciprocal benefits was increased from £7O 4s. to £B4 10s. a year. FINANCE STATEMENT SHOWING THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 1946 Receipts Payments £ £ £ Balance .. .. .. 2,389,702 Monetary benefits — Social security r t gis- £ Universal superannuatration fees .. 585,713 tion .. .. 1,185,508 Social security charge Age .. .. 9,817,615 on wages and other Widows .. .. 1,043,593 income ..14,557,460 Orphans .. .. 24,178 Penalties, fines, inter- Family .. .. 2,611,759 est, and miscel- Invalids .. .. 1,183,537 laneous receipts .. 143,019 Miners .. .. 88,359 15,286,192 Maori War.. .. 101 Grants from Consolidated Fund, Unemployment .. 31,661 vote " Social Security" (Social Sickness .. .. 565,420 Security Act, 1938, section 105 (c)) 7,000,000 Emergency .. 121,959 16,673,690 Medical benefits, &c. — Medical benefits .. 1,427,309 Hospital benefits .. 2,173,460 Maternity benefits . . 600,209 Pharmaceutical benefits .. .. 1,133,366 Supplementary benefits 229,971 5,564,315 ' Administration expenses — Social Security Department .. 492,087 Land and Income Tax Department .. 132,000 Health Department .. 97,500 721,587 Balance .. .. .. 1,716,302 £24,675,894 £24,675,894 WAR PENSIONS The general administration of the enactments providing for pensions and allowances in respect of war service, and the carrying-out of the decisions of the War Pensions Boards and the War Pensions Appeal Boards, are the functions of the Secretary for War Pensions.

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