Records of Pensions and National Health Insurance Appeals

Records relating to appeals concerning old age pensions and national health insurance cases.

Selected appeals to Referees against the Minister's decisions relating to contributory pensions are in PIN 25. Decisions of the Court of Referees in national health insurance cases are in PIN 63

Topics

Pay and pensions

In 1925 the Insurance Department of the Ministry of Health was charged with the administration of contributory pensions under the Widows, Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act of that year. Contributory old-age pensions covered only the five years between the ages of 65 and 70; thereafter normal non-contributory old age pensions were payable. In the case of insured persons non-contributory pensions were freed from means test and other restrictions and were termed 'by virtue' pensions, claimed by virtue of the contributory pensions scheme. The Department bore statutory responsibility for the administration of both contributory and non-contributory pensions of insured persons, but not until 1928-1929 was the actual administration of 'by virtue' pensions taken over from the Board of Customs and Excise. Cases of dissatisfaction with ministerial awards under the Act of 1925 were referred to referees selected under regulations made by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee.

The Department was also responsible for administering the National Health Insurance Act 1924. Benefits were awarded to contributors by local insurance committees or approved societies. Disputes and appeals were resolved by the Minister or by specially appointed Referees, or by the High Court.

In 1945 responsibility for health and pensions insurance was transferred to the Ministry of National Insurance.