Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1936-01-30
OLD AGE PENSION NOW ESTAB-
LISHED

LISHED
While the old age pension or as
sistance bill passed by the special
session of the Minnesota Legislature.
which has just come to a close, Is
not all that might be desired. 1t is
nevertheless a good start in the right
direction. The law will be improved
as time goes on. after more expert
ence with that type of social security
legislation and the needs Of the people
are more definitely ascertained.
The fact is that old age pensions
have now been established as a state
wide proposition and the senior mem
hers of our commonwealth can look
to the future with less n>iety and
know that they will at least be given
some attention with reference to
food, clothing and shelter. That wor-
~ and burden removed will make for
more happiness and cOntentment on
the part of those whose most active
years have passed and who can lean
backward to enjoy the fruits of their
labors. The old age pension should
have been established sooner, but bet
ter late than never. Thousands OF
people are rejoicing now that start
has been made and it has been es-
tablished statewide.
The Minnesota law permits a pen
sion up to $50 a month for persons
over the age of IS. unless their income
is more than that amount. Spouse
OF children of an aged person are eX-
pected to contribute to his support if
reasonably able without undue hard
ship to themselves or family.
Many old folks feared the law as
it was with reference to the few coun-
ties paying old age pensions, for nat
urally the parents did not want to
sue their children for support. They
would rather go to the poorhouse
than sue their children who had for
gotten what the parents did for them
when they were babes and youngsters.
Under the new law those past 65
will receive the pension from the
state irrespective of what is done by
children who are able to support the
parents. 1t will be up to the state to
collect from the children if they are
able to support the aged parents.
That portion of the law may not be
SO bad for if child has a good or
big income and spends money lavishly
and selfishly, forgetting others, 1t
might be in order for the state to
make an example of some such cases.
But the parents will not have to bring
action, which is a good point. That
fear has been removed.
Only American citizens or 25-year
residents of the country are eligible.
They must have lived five of the last
nine years in the state, and here
continuously for a year before APP
plying.
Applications are to be made to the
board of county commissioners of the
county in which the applicant resides,
beginning March LIST. If denied by
the commissioners, appeals may be
taken to the State Board of Control or
the court.
The fact that the county board acts
on the applications is the reason adj
vanced for the county contributing a
portion of the old age pensions. 1t
was argued that the commissioners
would be more scrutinizing and not
so free in spending the money when
the county contributes to the fund.
The State Senate passed the bill with
% per cent county contribution and
the House of Representatives made 1t
1924 per cent. In conference it was
made 16 2/3 per cent on the part Of
the county, and the bill was finally
passed with that provision. So the
federal government will pay half. the
state one-third, and the county one
sixth.
A person with property of $500 or
less (any kind of property, according
to the law may be eligible for a
pension. The state may, on the death
of the pensioner, however. file claim
against the estate for recovery of pen
sions, such claims not to apply against
the homestead or other exempt as
sets, and to have no prior rights over
other claims.
The amount of pension will be fixed
by the county board. to be based on
actual need, with the $50 maximum,
and with any other income deducted.
Persons who deprive themselves of
property to qualify shall get no as
sistance. False statements in obtain
ing a pension are punishable by Jail
terms.
It is estimated that the cost to the
state for old age pension during the
10-month period up to Jan. 1, 1887,
when the Legislature meets again in
regular session, will be approximately
three million dollars. One million of
that was appropriated by the regular