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WORK AND INCOME NZ

part 6

ALLOWANCE FOR HEATING

Like many invalids who are dependent on the State for assistance, Sheryl was receiving as an allowable cost, 20% of her power/gas//heating expenses which included the cost of firewood. (a little over $1.00 a week by the time the Department put the 20% through the Minister's Formula to determine how much it would actually pay.)

It was not until the Invalid Benefit renewal of June 2005 was posted to her that it was discovered that this allowance which had been cancelled on 15 September 2004, was not reinstated at the time her travel costs were restored around January 2005. No wonder our new case manager refused to send Sheryl a breakdown of her disability costs!

Do you also wonder why I get so frustrated with Work and Income and their tricky-dickey ploys to deny needy person's their entitlements. Entitlements which can ease the burden of sick and disadvantaged New Zealanders?

CLAIMING YOUR DISABILITY ENTITLEMENTS

You can claim additional disability costs above the $52.38 a week currently allowed in legislation provided your Medical Practitioner states that the costs are necessary and ongoing. He will write a letter to WINZ to this effect provided you ask him. However, some doctors are loathe to help disabled people obtain assistance. If your doctor is like this, then find another. One who is primarily concerned for your well-being and not in taking $30 or more out of your meagre benefit for a ten minute consultation.

It is a waste of time applying for disability assistance without a letter or a Medical Certificate from your G.P. So obtain this first. Then, after being knocked back by your Case Manager, write to the CEO whose address is below. Send him stamped copies (you will have to go to a WINZ office where the receptionist will stamp the documentation). Make sure you keep stamped copies for yourself. And if you think the Department is giving you the run around get in touch with the Ombudsmen Office.

The final avenue is to apply for a Benefit Review Committee hearing pursuant to s. 10 of the Social Security Act 1964.

The three person BRC panel is comprised of two WINZ staff and a community Representative - who is paid by Work and Income. It is three against one so you can see that you will receive a fair hearing. Pigs might fly too.*

By law, Work and Income are obliged to abide by a G. P.'s or Psychiatrist's medical recommendations so there should be no need for a Benefit Review Committee hearing.

I relate here an incident which happened a couple of years ago. I received a similar letter to the one of 16 March 05 after having complied with the Ministry of Social Development's request to complete a Special Benefit Renewal. I telephoned the call centre and requested to speak to the Service Centre Manager. The operator refused. Whereby I responded by threatening WINZ staff if my request was not granted. The Service Centre Manager was soon on the telephone. The problem was resolved straightaway.

I am still conscious of a recent Saturday evening when I happened to be in the local New World Supermarket. As I was passing the chilled foods area a senior Work and Income NZ staff member took a step toward me, and in a low voice said "A...hole." I wrote to the CEO about the intimidating incident. Nothing was ever done about it. I wouldn't be surprised if she received a raise and an extra bonus.

New Zealanders have had to put up with these bully boy tactics for too long. There must be a public inquiry into the policies of this Government organisation. The harm it intentionally perpetrates upon sick and disabled persons must cease. An overhaul and removal of the secret agendas and policies which effectively deny ill persons their entitlements under the Social Security Act of 1964 must be rooted out. The paramount consideration of the Ministry of Social Development should be the health and well-being of New Zealand citizens. At the moment the paramount consideration is to employ tricky-dickey stuff in order to save the State money.

Peter Hughes CEO Ministry of Social Development P.O. Box 12 136 Wellington Office of the Ombudsmen 70 The Terrace P.O. Box 101 52 Wellington

Link to: Benefit Review Committee a farce Deception-name of the game Duk-here's Bea! Duk-here's Jill! Elderly deceived - part one Elderly deceived - part two Elderly deceived - part three Elderly deceived - part four Misinformation Poor crushed Service centre managers Superannuates misled part 1 Superannuates misled part 2 Temporary Additional Support – T.A.S. The lie Tricky-dickey stuff WINZ – bullies

david.taylor1@clear.net.nz