More than 34,000 low-income families will get a one-time government compensation this month to cushion the impact of the increase in the price of fuel, the government said yesterday.

Each family will receive €70, in addition to €35 for each dependent within that family. This means a family of four will be receiving €175, a family of five will get €210 and a family of six, €245.

The compensation will be given to low-income families and those who receive social benefits.

“This will ensure that families in the greatest need will be given help to overcome the challenges of the international increase in the price of fuel and food,” the Social Security Department said yesterday.

The compensation will be mailed to households this week. The benefit affects more than 62,000 people within 34,195 families who gain a gross revenue of under €8,200 a year, excluding social benefits.

The agreement on this compensation was reached at a Malta Council for Economic and Social Development meeting last July. The benefit will cost the government €4 million.

In case of difficulty, people can go to the local social services office, or call 159 or 2590 3000.