There were 290,705 social security assistance cases last month, up 0.2% on February, the Social Welfare Department says.

Cases involving people with low earnings rose 2.3% from 13,897 cases to 14,215. However, the number of jobless receiving comprehensive social security assistance continued to fall, with 48,450 cases last month, down 0.9% on February.

There was also a drop in the share of such cases to the overall total, to 16.7% from 16.8% in January.

Figures from the department revealed the percentage share was the lowest since August, when a record-high 17.9% was seen.