The National Statistic Office said that between January and September, Government outlay towards Social Security Benefits increased by €120.8 million in comparison to 2023.

During the first three quarters, the NSO said that spending on Social Security Benefits totalled €1,101.6 million, 12.3% higher than the €980.8 million recorded at the end of September 2023. Higher expenditure was reported for both Contributory (€81.6 million) and Non-Contributory Benefits (€39.2 million).

Contributory Benefits outlay totalled €872.8 million by the end of September, this was 10.3% higher than 2023.

The number of Two-Thirds pensioners increased by 2,159 from the corresponding period in 2023.

The largest cohort of Contributory beneficiaries was registered under the Two-Thirds Pension (60,982).

Non-Contributory expenditure amounted to €228.7 million, a 20.7 per cent increase from 2023.

During the first three quarters of 2024, there were 98,769 persons in receipt of the Additional Cost of Living Adjustment.

Furthermore, the NSO said there were 44,640 families who qualified for Children’s Allowance.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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