As ONE News predicted on Wednesday there is a Budget boost for senior citizens thanks to personal tax cuts and the SuperGold card benefits.
Associate Minister for Senior Citizens Winston Peters says Budget 2008 contains $72 million over four years to provide free off-peak travel for SuperGold Card holders on all forms of public transport.
"Free off peak travel on public transport will ensure SuperGold card holders enjoy far greater access to their local communities," says Peters.
He say the government is working with regional councils and transport providers to implement the travel policy.
The Budget also provides $18 million over four years to fund an increase in the subsidy for hearing aids.
As of October 1 the subsidy will increase from $198 to $500 for SuperGold Card holders over the age of 65.
Peters says the government is also working on a second round of additions to the card, including rebates on power when electricity enters the Emissions Trading Scheme.
As of the beginning of May, 800 businesses had signed up to offer benefits and discounts via the SuperGold Card, which was part and parcel of the arrangement Peters reached with Labour following the last election.
New Zealand Superannuation payments will also increase from October as a result of personal tax cuts.
The increase in net payments for a married couple will be $45.88 a fortnight and $23.84 for a single superannuitant living alone. This is on top of the annual adjustment made to reflect increases to living costs.
There will be further increases to the rates of net NZ Superannuation in April 2010 and 2011.
