27 -
For adults with a 50 per cent disability living in a family, the current monthly standard rate will be increased by $140. Together with the inflation adjustment approved by members, the new rate will be $1,760 a month. This new rate represents a real increase of nine per cent,
Mr Tsang said the standard rates were only one aspect of the review exercise. A number of other improvements are being recommended. For example:
Higher rent allowances will be available to CSSA recipients living in private housing.
A new special grant of $320 a year will be payable to the elderly to reimburse their spending on social and recreational activities. They will also be paid a special allowance of $200 at Chinese New Year.
The current rules will be revised to permit the elderly to receive CSSA standard rates and long term supplements if they retire to China.
Taking into account the proposed increases in standard rates and the special grants payable to those in need (such as rents, school expenses of children, water charges, etc), the Director of Social Welfare estimates that, from April 1:
a singleton household will on average receive $2,940 a month; and
a four person household will on average receive $10,270 a month.
End
Elderly caring is a top priority
The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, today (Wednesday) confirmed the Government's commitment to providing continuous resources for the services the elderly need.
"I want to make it plain to honourable members today that our commitment to providing resources for the services our elderly need will continue. Caring for the elderly is, and will remain, a major priority," he said.