Social welfare increases take effect

The increase in family supplements introduced in Budget 2004 will take effect this month.

An estimated 970,000 who claim a weekly social welfare payment will benefit.

The increases include a €28 per week hike in family income supplement thresholds and a €7 per week increase in minimum family income supplement.

The minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, says it’s an important financial support to families with low income.