SuperGold Card eNewsletter - March 2013
Emailed information sent to SuperGold Card holders. If you would like to receive these eNewsletters please contact us on 0800 552 002 (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm). Note: emails from us will come from the email address: msd_communications@rnmk.com. Please add this to your address book or safe list so our emails don't get deleted as SPAM - we'd like to keep you informed of the latest SuperGold/Seniors news.
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Welcome to the latest eNewsletter. We hope that you find the items below helpful and of interest.
View new payment rates
From 1 April 2013, the rates of NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension will increase. See the new rates on the Ministry of Social Development’s Seniors website.
You will notice a difference in your payment on 9 April 2013 which will include a mix of the old and new rates.
This payment is made up of 5 days at the pre 1 April 2013 rate plus 9 days at the new rate.
The first full payment at the new rate will be on 23 April 2013.
Try the new features on the SuperGold Online Directory
Last month we introduced a number of new features to the SuperGold Card Directory to make it more user-friendly to search and print discounts.
You are now able to:
- filter search results to only show those businesses physically located in a specific area
- compile individual results across multiple categories into a single list
- create a personalised booklet-style directory of businesses, sorted by discount category or district, that can be saved (eg to a mobile device/computer) printed or emailed.
Read more about the new features on the SuperGold website.
Find out about proposed changes to benefits
Parliament is considering changes which would see all working age people on benefits transfer to new types of benefits in July 2013. People receiving NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension will not see any changes.
For more information on the proposed changes go to www.msd.govt.nz/welfarereform
The Welfare Reform page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Get your free flu vaccination now
If you’re 65 and over you can get free influenza immunisation to protect you from this serious illness.
Influenza is not just a ‘bad cold’. It is a serious disease that can kill and may lead to serious complications and hospitalisation, particularly if you have an existing medical condition like heart or lung disease or diabetes.
Call your doctor or nurse today to make an appointment. Check out www.fightflu.co.nz for more information or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.
Have your say
Enduring powers of attorney
On 26 September 2008 changes to the laws regarding enduring powers of attorney came into effect. The changes provide greater protection for the rights and interests of people unable to manage their own affairs.
The Minister for Senior Citizens has begun a review, which includes a public consultation, to see how well the changes to enduring powers of attorney have been working. The consultation runs from 1 March to 30 June 2013.
If you have views about enduring powers of attorney, we encourage you to answer our online questionnaire on the Ministry of Social Development website.
2013 Review of Retirement Income Policy
The Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income is beginning the three-yearly review of retirement income policy.
The Commission will be calling for submissions on the review in April and May 2013. Terms of Reference and other background information can be found on the Commission’s website www.cflri.org.nz or you can contact 2013Review@cflri.org.nz
Submissions will close on 31 May, with the final review report due on 30 September.
Understand more about dementia
Memory loss, forgetting people’s names or faces, or having difficulty keeping up with conversations can all be signs that something is not right. These signs could be symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia
Alzheimers NZ started a National Awareness Campaign in February 2013. Advertisements are being run to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and address the stigma associated with it.
More information is available at www.wecanhelp.org
Keep active - guidelines on physical activity for older New Zealanders
The Ministry of Health recently issued physical activity guidelines to help New Zealanders aged 65 years and over live longer, healthier, and more independent lives.
There are five key recommendations about physical activity that you can read about on the Ministry of Health website.
From the SuperGold Card/Seniors Team, Senior Services, Ministry of Social Development.
This email was sent to you by the SuperGold Card Team at the Ministry of Social Development. Remember, we will never ask you for your Bank Account or PIN number details in our email updates. The email address used (msd_communications@rnmk.com) is a valid address and is used for reporting purposes. For confirmation of this, please visit our SuperGold website www.supergold.govt.nz and go to Information for cardholders/News and updates/Email updates/March 2013.
