The average monthly benefit for retired workers will rise by $6, to $488.

In addition, monthly benefits are increased to replace those taken by the earnings test.

Federal law required coverage of poor mothers and children, but the states set the monthly benefits.

The state has also cut the average monthly benefit of those who remain on welfare, to $422 from $445 in October 1992.

Social Security pays monthly benefits to people too disabled to work.

Nearly 90 percent of the money is now used to pay monthly benefits.

Additional minutes over the free monthly benefit may be purchased.

The average monthly benefit ($26) was increased to $46 effective October 1.

The monthly benefit is $65 now and would reach $100 in 2002.

The Legislature raised the monthly benefits of a mother and two children to $201, from $188.