Benefit reconsidered

The Government is considering making changes to the living alone benefit which has left 2000 people ineligible for the subsidy because their spouses are physically, not mentally, disabled, says Social Development Minister Steve Maharey.

National MP Nick Smith has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on behalf of 91-year-old Nelson man Stan Page who was denied the living alone benefit while his physically disabled 88-year-old wife was in a rest home.

"Every area of the social security system has eligibility and some people get it and some people don't. The rules have to change in response to changing need," Mr Maharey said.