XN000022-1973-06-11 — Page 3

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Monday, June 11, 1973

Because the rate of disability and infirmity allowance is linked

with the rate of public assistance, that too is being increased from July 1.

As from then, the allowance payable to a severely disabled person will be $120 a month (instead of $110) and that payable to someone aged

75 or over will be $60 (instead of $55).

A severely disabled person getting public assistance as well, will

receive an increase in both allowances,

In addition, the maximum rent allowance payable is also being increased, in line with the rents for new government housing estates. This is because the amount allowed for rent is linked to the rent payable for

government housing.

At present, in calculating the amount of assistance, an allowance is made for rent which is either the actual rent payable or a maximum

figure based on government housing rents, whichever is the lower.

Mr. Heppell gave two examples of what the changes mean.

A family of five members will receive an additional 340 a month in public assistance plus in some cases an extra amount for rent. In future the assistance "level" for a family of five will be $410 plus allowances for rent, education and other expenses, The rent allowance could be up to $112 a month.

A single disabled person who qualifies for a disability allowance as well as public assistance will receive an extra $20 a month plus an additional $10 for rent. This will give him a monthly income of $275 plus any other special allowances.

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