Calls flood Budget helpline

Three thousand people had telephoned the Government's free helpline by late yesterday to find out if they would benefit from the almost $3 billion spendup on the poor over the next four years.

Sixty people are taking calls on the 0800 774-004, which is open today from 8am to 5pm.

From next week the hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.

A Ministry of Social Development spokeswoman said the telephones had gone "berserk" on Thursday evening as details of the Budget's changes to family assistance were announced.

She said 70 per cent of callers wanted an instant assessment of their entitlements, while the rest had general inquiries.

Anyone wanting to find out what they would get from the Budget needed to have ready the number and ages of their children, their household income, where they live and their accommodation costs.

A $21 million, three-year advertising campaign will also tell people what they are entitled to.