A higher outlay on pensions has contributed significantly to an 11 per cent increase in expenditure on social security benefits in the first nine months.

Figures out yesterday showed that €623.7 million was spent between January and September on social security benefits. This amounted to €62.5 million more compared to 2012.

The National Statistics Office said the total outlay on contributory benefits increased by €41.8 million with pensions accounting for a €38.9 million hike in expenditure.

The increase in pensions came as a result of a higher number of people reaching pensionable age and an extra payment given to retired pensioners this year.

The expenditure on ret­irement pensions reached €315 million.

On the other hand, pensions in respect of widowhood decreased by €4 million.

Unemployment benefits paid out until September reached €1.3 million and the expenditure on maternity benefits increased by more than €400,000 to reach €2.1 million.

The NSO said non-contributory benefits went up by €20.7 million to €152.5 million in the first nine months. This represented a 15.7 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2012.

This upward movement was largely due to a higher outlay on children’s allowance. With parents on the basic children’s allowance rate receiving an additional €100 per child this year, the expenditure grew by €9.3 million to reach €42 million. This represented a 28 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Non-contributory benefits also registered an €8.2 million increase in social assistance, representing a 17 per cent hike on 2012.