Some 900,000 people should now be benefiting from the new increased rates of social welfare payments announced in the Budget, most of which came into effect last week.

Pensioners aged 66 and over get a £6 increase per week while there is an increase of £3.60 for those on short-term unemployment assistance.

The minimum weekly rate of maternity and adoptive benefits increases to £86.70 while the weekly income threshold for family income supplements has been increased by £8.

A new rates booklet, detailing the rates of each scheme along with their effective dates, is available free at all social welfare local offices or by contacting the Information Section of the Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs on 01-874 8444.