Back
592 days ago

Pensioners, students, and everyone on main benefits will see their payments from the Government rise by 7.22% in line with inflation from April 1.

Brian from Mount Roskill

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the changes today as part of his continuing focus on "bread and butter" priorities amid what's shaping up to be a tight election year.
He added it would "mean approximately 1.4 million New Zealanders will not go backwards" as they "feel the bite from the rise in the cost of living".
The changes announced today would apply on the same day that the Government's previously-announced childcare cost-of-living package would go into effect.
The minimum wage would also be increasing on the same day next month.
Under the changes, a couple on NZ Super would receive $103 more in total a fortnight, and a single person living alone receive an extra $67 with each payment.
Other main benefits that will see an increase include Jobseeker Support, Youth Payment, Young Parent Payment, Sole Parent Support and the Supported Living Payment.
Tertiary students receiving the student allowance will also see around $20 extra for each payment. It will also apply to student loan living cost payments.
"Working families will see increases to Working for Families, including an extra $4 for Best Start Payments taking it to $69 per week and an increase of $9 for the eldest child rate of Family Tax Credit, lifting it to $136 per week," Hipkins said.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said the $311 million change was a "practical solution to ensure those being supported didn't fall behind."
Inflation "rose by 7.22% in the year to December, while the net average wage – against which main benefits are indexed – rose by 6.24%. The extra boost to main benefits covers the 0.98% gap," she said.
"For working-age people receiving a main benefit, they will see an increase of between $19.81 and $46.20, depending on the type of benefit and whether they are single or a couple."
Today's cost of living changes follows an increase to the minimum wage and the Government’s $718 million extension of discounts to the fuel excise duty and public transport fares until June.
Last November, former prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Government's $189 million package to make an additional 10,000 children eligible for childcare assistance.
"All up, the additional support above the annual general adjustment equates to an extra $311 million, this is on top of the $189 million announced for the changes to Childcare Subsidy," Hipkins said on Monday.
=================================================
www.1news.co.nz...
==================================================

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

Image
Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 63.9% Yes
    63.9% Complete
  • 33.6% No
    33.6% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
1596 votes
13 hours ago

BLOCKHOUSE BAY MARKET

Angela from Blockhouse Bay

COME AND JOIN US AT BLOCKHOUSE BAY MARKET, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, BUY NZ MADE, FIND A BARGAIN, PLEASE BRING CASH AS MOST VENDORS DI NOT HAVE EFTPOS OR SUCH. FREE PARKING OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE!

15 hours ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!