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the Public Assistance Scheme.
10.
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The case load to the end of February was 55, 195
covering about 165,000 persons.
The breakdown at
January was
%
Old age
53.62
Ill or handicapped
19.06
Widows with dependent children
4.89
Low earnings
16.83
Unemployed (families of)
5.6
100.00
Disability and Infirmity Allowance
15.
The scale of allowance is as follows:
Disability allowance
Infirmity allowance
$180
$90
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Both allowances are paid at a flat rate regardless
of the financial circumstances of the applicant.
case load to the end of February was 65,613.
16.
This scheme is only 4 years old.
The
Previously
relief was available only in the form of dry rations
or cooked food. Payments are made by means of
books of vouchers, normally covering a 3 month
period, which can be cashed at any post office.
The scheme provides a basis for pensions for the
handicapped and aged, and for means tested payments
to maintain incomes. There is a gap in the coverage
in that able-bodied men between the ages of 15 and
55 are ineligible though their families are eligible.
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