Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says benefit and superannuation payments will increase in April, the increase is a swallow reflection of increasing inflation and cost of living.
Benefit Changes
Main benefits, Superannuation and Student Allowance rates will increase from April 1 to reflect increases to the Consumer Price Index.
Main benefits will increase by 3.75% from 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011, this includes the GST compensation component of 2.02% added in 1 October 2010.
Married rates will increase by 6.85%. This ensures married rates continue to equal 66% of the average net wage.
The net rate paid to couples receiving NZ Superannuation will rise by just over $22 a week.