Chapter 10
Social Welfare
The scope and extent of Hong Kong's welfare services have steadily evolved over the years, with total recurrent government expenditure on social welfare increasing by over 40 per cent in the past decade, underlining the Government's commitment to assisting those in need.
The Labour and Welfare Bureau is responsible for formulating social welfare policies and overseeing their implementation by the Social Welfare Department (SWD). The Social Welfare Advisory Committee, the Elderly Commission, the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, and the Women's Commission advise the Government on welfare policies.
In 2012, the total recurrent expenditure of the SWD was $41.7 billion, of which $28.2 billion (67.7 per cent) was for financial assistance payments, $9.9 billion (23.7 per cent) for recurrent subventions to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), $1 billion (2.4 per cent) for hire of services, and the remaining $2.6 billion (6.2 per cent) for departmental expenditure.
Major Social Welfare Initiatives
Relief Measures
To help ease the pressure of the economic downturn, in July 2012 the SWD provided recipients. of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) with one additional month's payment of the standard rate of CSSA and one additional month's allowance for recipients of Old Age Allowance (OAA) and Disability Allowance (DA).
Old Age Living Allowance
In December 2012, the Legislative Council Finance Committee approved the proposed Old Age Living Allowance, which aims to supplement the living expenses of Hong Kong people aged 65 or above who need financial support. It is estimated that the $2,200 monthly allowance will benefit over 400,000 elderly people. The SWD plans to introduce this new allowance in April 2013.
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