|
Many of you may be receiving War
Disablement Pension for certain conditions such as Hearing
Loss and Tinnitus. It is important, however, to ensure you
are actually receiving your full entitlements, some
of which may go beyond hearing and the like.
It is our aim to ensure that you do draw
your full entitlement (s) in all cases.
So, what conditions might qualify? If you
have had War or Emergency Service, there is a considerable
list that may be accepted as attributable to or aggravated
by that service. Because conditions for acceptance can
differ from applicant to applicant and theatre to theatre,
it’s not possible to set out a comprehensive list here – it
is too long and varied for that.
The good news is, however, that RSA
Pensions and Welfare Advisors are well versed in the
conditions that may be applied for and are very willing to
advise you. It is important that you talk with them because
some conditions are related to others and it would be
fruitless to apply for every condition you may have when
this situation occurs. It's also the case that applying for
“everything” in the hope that “something” will stick can
clog up the system. This can cause delays both for you and
for others, which is frustrating for everybody. Once again
your friendly RSA Pensions and Welfare Advisor can help you
sort out the wood from the trees.
Surviving spouses of deceased veterans
may be able to apply for a pension also. Because evidence
can be lost or misplaced as time goes by, however, sometimes
this process can become quite complicated. Here, too, you
should seek advice from your RSA Pensions and Welfare
Advisor.
Veterans’ Pension
This is often confused with the War
Disablement Pension. One way to think of it is as another
form of NZ Superannuation – the pension is the same but with
some advantages. These include a larger Funeral grant if you
qualify. Also an automatic Community Services card and,
should you have to remain in Hospital for 13 weeks or more,
the Veterans’ Pension is still paid at the full rate.
To qualify for a Veterans’ pension you
need to be over 65 years of age and be on a War Disablement
pension of 70% or more. Or you may qualify at less than 65
years of age if you have served in a recognised war or
emergency and are unable to work for a substantial period
due to either a physical or psychological disability, refer
to Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.
A Surviving Spouse pension may be payable
to the Widow(er) or Partner of a Veteran who is on the
Veterans’ Pension provided that certain conditions are met.
Again seek the advice of your RSA Pensions and Welfare
Advisor.
Ray Terrill -- (Pensions and
Welfare Advisor)
Waikato/King Country/ Bay of Plenty
District RNZRSA |
