16 Mar 2012

Benefits, super payments get inflation-linked rise

12:57 pm on 16 March 2012

The rate of benefits, student loans, student allowances and foster care payments will be increased by 1.77% from 1 April, in line with inflation.

New Zealand Superannuation and veterans' pension payments will rise by 2.65% on the same date, equating to an increase of $13.84 per week for married superannuitants.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the percentage increase is slightly higher for those two groups in order to keep the rate for a married couple at 66% of the average wage.