May 2009

Welfare and Pensions Column

Annual Increase of War Disablement Pensions

All pensions and allowances were increased by 3.38 per cent from 1 April this year. The new tables are below.

War Disablement Pensions 1 April 2009
(a) Ordinary Rates

(b) Rates for those with Severe Disablement

(c) Rates for those with severe disablement: Aged 60 years and over

Note: War pensions are not subject to Income tax

Other War Pensions and Allowances from 1 April 2009
(a) Weekly Rates

(b) Annual Rates

Veteran’s Gold Card - Correction

I have an apology to make on this matter to my British, Commonwealth and WWII Allies friends on this one, as well as friends and colleagues at VANZ and the Veterans’ Pension Centre. I missed a few words out of my short article on the Gold Card in the last issue. What I should have said was

If you are over 65 years old and on New Zealand Superannuation and you are a veteran who has served in the New Zealand Forces in a recognised war or emergency or indeed you are in receipt of the Veteran’s Pension then please make sure that you have the Veterans Gold Card rather than the SuperGold Card. It may not give you much extra in concessions at the moment, though I am told by some that they have received better concessions than their non-veteran friends, but in the future there could be some differences.

I hope that this has not put too many people out with hopes and expectations that cannot be fulfilled.

Winter Help

Winter and the flu season have already arrived so I though I would provide a few tips on how to stay warm and well through the winter

Energy-saving

If you have central heating and set it to the right temperature, you can keep your home warm and lower your bills. During the day set the thermostat to 21°C and during the night to 18°C. Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you’ve gone to bed. If it’s very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turn the thermostat up.

If you can’t heat all of the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom(s) just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.

If you have open fires make sure they are properly ventilated. Use safety guards and don’t hang washing near open flames. If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom at night, always keep a window and door open.

Use electric blankets in accordance with the makers instructions as instructed and have them tested every three years. Never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together.

Switch your appliances, such as TVs and microwaves, off rather than to standby. This will save you money and contribute to combating CO2 emissions.

Staying safe at home

Have your cooking and heating appliances, flues and chimneys serviced at least once a year by a trained, reputable, registered engineer.

Fit an audible smoke alarm.

Avoiding colds or flu

Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.

Throw away used tissues as soon as possible.

The whole family should wash their hands regularly with soap and water.

Eating well

Keep your diet as varied as possible.

Include plenty of hot food and drinks.

Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, especially vegetables, so you always have a healthy option available.

Dressing children for cold weather

Ensure young children wear lots of thin layers – this helps to trap body heat.

Dress them in clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres.

Staying active

Take a walk when the weather is suitable. Walking helps the heart, lungs and muscles. Wear a hat outdoors much body heat is lost through the head.

Useful Tips

Dress to stay warm. Indoors wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer to trap body heat.

Keep moving to generate extra body heat. Any exercise or activity will create body heat. Spread tasks throughout the day and alternate between rest and activity. Keeping active helps fight infections and reduces blood pressure and the chance of blood clots.

Stopping smoking will boost your health for the winter, reduce your chances of a heart attack and improve your circulation. (Information obtained from the UK Veterans’ Agency).