Part 3 - Details for Benefits and Other Unrequited Expenses
Part 3.2 - Non-Departmental Benefits and Other Unrequited Expenses
Intended Impacts, Outcomes and Objectives
| Intended Impacts, Outcomes or Objectives of Appropriations | Appropriations |
|---|---|
| Outcome - More people interact with the Ministry in a digital environment | Veteran's Pension |
Veterans' Pension (M75)
Scope of Appropriation
Provision of income support for ex-service people who served in a declared war or emergency and who have either reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation and are on a 70% (or greater) War Disablement Pension, or are prevented from undertaking employment for a substantial period due to disability and who fulfill the New Zealand citizenship and residency requirements as set out in the War Pensions Act 1954.
Expenses
| 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | Estimated $000 | Estimated $000 | Estimated $000 | |
| Total Appropriation | 177,104 | 176,483 | 171,709 | 166,719 | 162,274 | 157,671 |
Reasons for Change in Appropriation
The reduction in annual expenditure reflects the steady decline in the expected number of recipients. This effect more than offsets the annual cost of living indexation adjustments, which increase payment rates each April.
Conditions on Use of Appropriation
| Reference | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Veterans' Pensions paid in accordance with the criteria set out in sections 70 to 74W of the War Pensions Act 1954. | Veteran's Pension is payable to ex-service personnel who served in the armed forces in a declared war or emergency, and have either: reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation and qualify for a War Disablement Pension of at least 70%, or not reached the qualifying age but are prevented from working for a substantial period because of a disablement from any cause. Veteran's Pension is not income-tested but is taxable. The rates of payment are the same as for New Zealand Superannuation. The spouses of deceased Veteran's Pension recipients continue to receive it or may be awarded Veteran's Pension if the deceased veteran would have been entitled to receive it at their date of death. |
Current and Past Policy Initiatives
| Policy Initiative | Year of First Impact | 2011/12 Budgeted $000 | 2012/13 Budget $000 | 2013/14 Estimated $000 | 2014/15 Estimated $000 | 2015/16 Estimated $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current Government | ||||||
| Veteran's Pension Coverage for Additional Deployments | 2012/13 | - | 105 | 130 | 156 | 219 |
| Budget 2010 Tax Package | 2010/11 | 3,319 | 3,262 | 3,286 | 3,286 | 3,286 |
| Changes to the Living Alone Payment for Single New Zealand Superannuitants and Veteran's Pensioners | 2010/11 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Future Focus | 2010/11 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Setting New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension rates at a minimum of 66% of the net average wage | 2009/10 | 158 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Previous Government | ||||||
| Review of the Treatment of Overseas Pensions and Payment of New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension Overseas | 2008/09 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
