WAR PENSIONS
New Zealand Veteran Entitlements
New Zealand's repatriation system is predicated on the War Pensions Act 1954 which provides for the formal recognition of the service given to New Zealand by ex-service men and women and the need to reaffirm the special status of veterans. As such war pensions and allowances are viewed as entitlements, rather than as benefits.
The War Disablement Pension
The War Disablement Pension is the primary form of compensation available to veterans. To be eligible for a War Disablement Pension a person must have had service either in a recognised war or emergency, as defined by the Minister of Veterans' Affairs under the provisions of the War Pensions Act 1954, or routine service (i.e. not served in a recognised war or emergency) prior to 1 April 1974. For personnel with routine service in the New Zealand Armed Forces before 1 April 1974 war pensions coverage is provided as a form of accident compensation. After 1 April 1974, and the introduction of Accident Compensation legislation, members of the New Zealand Defence Force are covered by ACC rather than the War Pensions Act 1954 for disabilities/ conditions caused by their service (that equate to workplace accidents). Eligibility for a War Disablement Pension is determined by recognition of a disability or condition that is deemed to be attributable to service. A disability may occur during service or it may develop at a later date as a result of that service. For a person with war and emergency service, claims are founded on the basis of a reverse onus of proof, where the claimant is given the benefit of the doubt as to the cause and nature of the disability. This ensures that the decision making process favours the veteran. For personnel with routine service there must evidence of a direct causal link between the disability/ condition that they suffer from and their service.
Decision Making Process for War Disablement Pensions
Each claim for a War Disablement Pension is individually determined with consideration placed upon the nature and extent of the disability. The War Disablement Pension is a lifetime entitlement. The amount paid is based upon the level of disability, and is neither taxed nor asset tested. The maximum rate for the War Disablement Pension is 100%, however, this may be extended up to 160% in circumstances where a veteran's quality of life is severely limited by their disabilities. The War Disablement Pension does not affect any other social assistance or income a veteran may receive. This includes ACC, a veteran could be receiving a War Disablement Pension for service related conditions and ACC for other conditions that are not caused by their service. The War Disablement Pensions is annually adjusted in line with upward movement in the Consumer Price Index.
Other Allowances and Concessions
Other allowances and concessions are available to veterans under the War Pensions Acts 1954. These include: funeral grants, attendant care allowances, clothing allowances, travel allowances and concessions, gallantry award payments, Victoria Cross annuity, war bursaries and subsidised car loans. It is also of note that there is nothing to preclude a veteran from accessing social security benefits outside of the War Pensions Act 1954, should the veteran meet the respective qualifying criteria.
The Veteran's Pension
The Veteran's Pension is an income support payment and generally mirrors New Zealand Superannuation, with added benefits for the veteran. Veterans over retirement age qualify for a Veteran's Pension if they have served in a recognised war or emergency and receive a War Disablement Pension of at least 70% disability. Veterans under the retirement age, who have served in a specified war or emergency and who are unable to work due to mental or physical infirmity (whether related to their service or not), may also qualify for a Veteran's Pension. This benefit is taxed but not asset tested. It confers entitlement to both the veteran and partner to a Community Services Card (for subsidised health care) and a lump sum payment if either partner dies. Recent legislative change now enables those who receive a Veteran's Pension, but are under retirement age, to undertake paid employment without losing their entire pension. Payments are not reduced should a veteran require long term hospital care. The Veteran's Pension is paid at the same rate as New Zealand Superannuation and is annually adjusted in line with upward movement in the Consumer Price Index.
Surviving Spouse Pension
A Surviving Spouses Pension is also available to the partners of veterans who have died while on specified service or, if they were in receipt of a War Disablement Pension of at least 70% when at the time of death, or their death is attributable to their service. These payments are not taxed and paid for the surviving partners lifetime unless they remarry. All pensions are annually adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Payment to former POWs of Japanese
The Government has recently announced a one off ex-gratia payment of $30,000 payable to New Zealanders, both civilian and military, who were held prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. If an ex-prisoner of war has died, the surviving spouse may receive payment.
Medical Assistance for Veterans and their Families
Fully funded health care is available to veterans who are on a War Disablement Pension for disabilities that are attributable to, or aggravated by, service. This covers GP visits; specialist visits; prescription costs; private hospital care if the need is urgent and there is a waiting list in public hospitals; treatment from a variety of providers including acupuncture and osteopathy; and it extends to appliances or equipment needed to overcome disability and enhance quality of life. Other forms of treatment may be accepted but are considered on a case by case basis. As previously stated the Veteran's Pension automatically grants entitlement to a Community Services Card for a veteran and partner. This card provides for lower doctors' fees and prescription costs for conditions not related to service. Most recently the Government announced new plans to provide special assistance to veteran's children who suffer from Spina Bifida or Cleft lip or palate. Government also recognised the need to fund specialist advice, such as genetic counselling, should veteran's children choose to seek it.
Decision Making Proces for War Disablement Pensions
The War Pensions Act 1954 requires that a Secretary for War Pensions be appointed. The Secretary is responsible for the administration of the War Pension Act 1954. The Secretary is appointed by the Chief of Defence Force and is a member of the civil staff of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Veteran's Pension
Veteran's Pension is an income support payment, paid at the same rate as New Zealand Superannuation. The Veteran's Pension is taxed but not asset tested. Unlike Superannuation, Veteran's Pension payments are not reduced should a veteran require long term hospital care.
Eligibility
A veteran, who has reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation, may qualify for a Veteran's Pension if the veteran has served in a recognised war or emergency and is in receipt of a War Disablement Pension of at least 70 percent. A veteran, who has not reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation, may qualify for a Veteran's Pension if the veteran has served in a recognised war or emergency, and is unable to work for a substantial period due to either a physical or psychological disability.
Community Services Card
Veteran's Pension confers an automatic entitlement to a Community Services Card for both the veteran and the veteran's partner.
Funeral Grant
Veteran's Pension gives entitlement to a lump sum payment on the death of the veteran and a lesser amount on the death of the partner. This payment can be made only if there is a surviving partner, or a dependent child. The lump sum payment is in lieu of a Social Security Funeral Grant. Undertaking Work for Veterans who have not reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation. Veterans who have not reached the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation, and who are in receipt of a Veteran's Pension have the opportunity to recommence work without losing their entitlement to Veteran's Pension. Veterans who undertake voluntary work are able to do so without it affecting their rate of Veteran's Pension. Veterans who undertake paid work can do so but their employment income will reduce the amount of Veteran's Pension paid. There is no limit to the number of hours a veteran can work.
How Income Will Affect the Veteran's Pension Payments
If a veteran chooses not to include the veteran's partner, the veteran will receive the half-married rate of Veteran's Pension and the partner's income will not be counted. If the veteran is working, only the veteran's employment income will affect the rate of Veteran's Pension paid. A veteran may choose to include the veteran's partner, in which case all income they both receive will affect the rate of Veteran's Pension paid. Veterans will be able to earn income of up to $80 per week with no affect on the rate of Veteran's Pension. Income between $80 and $180 will reduce the Veteran's Pension by $0.30 for every dollar earned, and income over $180 will reduce the Veteran's Pension by $0.70 for every dollar earned over $180.
Important
Any changes to your income will affect your rate of Veteran's Pension. In order to avoid any under or overpayments, please advise War Pension Services of any changes in your income as soon as it occurs so that we can limit the inconvenience to you.
Contact Details
If you have any queries regarding the Veteran's Pension, you may contact:
War Pension Services
P O Box 9448
Hamilton
New Zealand
Free Phone 0800 553 003
Free Fax 0508 402 402
