Deputy Prime Minister and Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says increasing benefits doesn't create a culture of welfare dependency.

Nearly 1.4 million people were affected when the minimum wage, benefits, student allowances and superannuation all rose yesterday.

The minimum wage is now $22.70 an hour, while 8,000 community nurses will have rise of up to 15 percent.

Ms Sepuloni says a large number of those affected are super annuitants.

"And right now, they really do need the support and I certainly think it is the right thing to do."

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