Number of persons dependent on social benefits reduced by half since beginning of legislature

The number of those dependent on social benefits has been reduced by almost half since the beginning of this legislature. The announcement was made by Minister for Social Solidarity and Family Michael Farrugia during a press conference at the Social Security offices in Msida.

The Minister explained that the number of people on social benefits in December 2012 amounted to 17,727, of which 5,700 were receiving unemployment benefits. Recent statistics show that the number of people dependent on social assistance up until March 2017 has decreased to 9,250, with 1,200 receiving unemployment benefits. This means that the number of people on social assistance dropped by 8,477, equivalent to a reduction of 47.8%.

“What these statistics show us is that our policy of making work pay is achieving the desired results,” the minister said.

He said that according to the data collected by the Social Security offices, 648 individuals are benefiting from social assistance, more than a thousand are receiving benefits under the Single Parents Social Allowance, while only two are receiving social benefits assistance for those who cannot work as they have to help their relatives.

Those enjoying tapering of benefits are on the increase, the Minister explained. Two-thirds of those benefiting from this system are women.

Minister Farrugia said that besides these benefits, this government has introduced other initiatives to help those in need like the free child care centres and the breakfast club.