During 2021, Government outlay towards Social Security Benefits rose by €38.3 million in comparison to 2020, the National Statistics Office said.
Social Security Benefits Expenditure
By the end of 2021, spending on Social Security Benefits totalled €1,115.2 million, 3.6% higher than the previous year. A €35.9 million rise in Contributory expenditure was the primary reason behind the increase in spending, while Non-Contributory outlay increased by €2.4 million.
Government spending towards Contributory Benefits amounted to €914.2 million, a 4.1% rise from 2020. Pensions in respect of Retirement recorded the largest increase of €43.1 million, following a rise in the number of Two-Thirds pensioners (2,071). Further increases were registered under Pensions in respect of Widowhood (€5.1 million) and Contributory Bonus (€2.2 million).
In contrast, lower expenditure was reported under Covid-19 Benefits (€13.9 million), Other Benefits (€0.5 million) and Benefits in respect of Industrial Injuries and Gratuities (€0.1 million).
In 2021, €201 million went towards Non-Contributory Benefits, a 1.2% increase in comparison to the previous year. Supplementary Allowance exhibited the largest rise at €4.2 million, with higher annual spending was also reported under Child Allowance (€2.1 million), Non-Contributory Bonus (€0.5 million), Total In-Work Benefit, (€0.5 million) and Disability Pensions/Allowance (€0.4 million). Conversely, lower outlay was recorded under Old Age Pension (€3.7 million), Total Social Assistance (€1.3 million) and Medical Assistance (€0.2 million).
In the final quarter of 2021, social benefits expenditure totalled €271.5 million, 81.3% of which went towards Contributory Benefits (€220.6 million). In comparison to 2020, Contributory spending increased by €12.9 million, largely driven by a €10.2 million rise registered under Pensions in respect of Retirement. On the other hand, Non-Contributory outlay totalled €50.9 million, reflecting a €2.2 million drop from the previous year.
Social Security Beneficiaries
Between January and December 2021, the largest number of Contributory beneficiaries was recorded under the Two-Thirds Pension (55,568). Furthermore, the 2,071 increase in Two-Thirds pensioners was the highest reported among the Contributory benefits.
On the other hand, the biggest drop in recipients was registered under the Covid-19 Parent Benefit (3,438). Children’s Allowance reported the highest number of Non-Contributory recipients, with 44,490 families in receipt of the benefit.