Paula Bennett

Wellington, March 1 NZPA - Benefits and Superannuation payments will increase next month to keep pace with cost of living increases, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today.

Benefits and pensions would rise 1.96 percent for the cost of living, and the latter would be further adjusted -- to a total of 2.31 percent -- to bring them up to 66 percent of the net average wage.

More than one million superannuitants, students and beneficiaries would benefit from the changes, Ms Bennett said.

Increase examples:

* married couple both receiving superannuation, up $11.04 to $489.42;

* married couple, with no children, on the Unemployment Benefit, up $6.22 to $323.52;

* single, unemployed person over 25 on the Unemployment Benefit, up $3.73 to $194.12;

* student loan living cost weekly maximum increase up $3.14 to $163.38.