90. During the year, a total of 12,297 new applications were received, of which 10,820 were found to be eligible. To cope with the influx of these new applications, five more public assistance field units were established at Shek Lei, Wong Tai Sin, Sau Mau Ping. Chai Wan and Shek Kip Mei, making a total of 18 field units.
The Disability and Infirmity Allowance Scheme
91. In January 1973, the Government approved the introduction of a Disability and Infirmity Allowance Scheme as from 1st April 1973, This Scheme is designed to provide non-means tested, non contribu- tory allowances for the severely disabled and the elderly infirm. A person or child who is certified by the Director of Medical and Health Services as severely disabled and has had at least one year's residence in the Colony is entitled to the full rate of allowance (3110 per month) while any person aged 75 or over who has lived in Hong Kong continuously for at least five years is entitled to half the rate of allowance ($55 per month), provided that in either case the applicant is not in residential institutional care. The allowance will be paid monthly for six monthly periods as long as the applicant is alive and eligible. However, before a further period of payment is authorized, the case will be reviewed to check whether there has been any change of circumstances that would affect the eligibility of the applicant.
92. The payment of the disability and infirmity allowance will be disregarded in the assessment of public assistance. Where an applicant has other needs, e.g. the need for rehabilitation or counselling service, the case will be referred to the Family Services Division of the Department.
Emergency Relief
93. Emergency relief is usually given in the form of hot meals, provided from the two large kitchens situated at Happy Valley and Hung Hom. In addition, blankets, clothing, eating utensils etc. supplied either by Government or voluntary welfare agencies are distributed as required.
94. The worst natural disaster of the year was a landslide at Sau Mau Ping Licensed Area and the house-collapse at Kotewall Road which became the focus of public attention during the June rainstorms of 1972. In that disaster, a total of 5,039 families with 23,915 persons
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