From April the child element of child tax credits will rise by £150 a year and working tax credits by £90 a year.

A basic rate tax cut will come into effect for 22 million tax payers worth £145 a year.

And the state pension will rise by £4.55 to £95.25 the highest rise since 2001.

The Pension Credit has been increased to £130 a week for single pensioners and £198 for couples a rise of £5.95 which is the largest rise since the pension credit was introduced in 2003.

There is also new support coming in: Health in Pregnancy Grant  From April 2009, mums-to-be can claim a one-off, tax-free payment from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you are at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called 'Health in Pregnancy Grant' and is to help prepare for the birth of your baby. The due date needs to be on or after 6 April 2009 for a claim to be made. The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect tax credits or any other benefits and everyone will get the same amount.