Commission investigates allowance payment denial

The Human Rights Commission is to investigate a complaint that an elderly man was denied a living alone allowance because his resthome-bound wife recognised him.

Stan Page, 91, of Richmond near Nelson was denied the allowance by Work and Income earlier this year because his wife was physically but not mentally impaired.

Nelson MP Nick Smith laid a complaint with the commission, on the basis the Ministry of Social Development's policy was unlawfully discriminatory.

The commission yesterday confirmed the case had been accepted for mediation, but would not comment further.

Dr Smith said the matter needed to be dealt with urgently because of Mr Page's age.

"Quite frankly, I'm looking for a solution beyond Stan and Nancy Page, I'm looking for a solution for the other 3000 aged couples who haven't been paid," he said.

The allowance would have increased Mr Page's payment from $191.61 to $249.09 a week.

Mr Page said he was happy the case was going for mediation.

"It at least seems they're getting somewhere. I'm hoping it's not a smokescreen," he said.

- NZPA