XN000022-1972-10-10 — Page 6

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Tuesday, October 10, 1972

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME CONTINUES TO EXPAND

The total number of active cases in the Public Assistance

Scheme reached 16,678 at the end of September.

New applications received during the month totalled 969, includ-

Cases reactivated during the

ing 35 referred from voluntary agencies.

month numbered 128, and at the same time, 630 were closed.

Cash payments during September totalled $2.5 million, bringing

to $26 million the amount spent so far since the expanded scheme was

implemented on April 1, 1971.

The head of the Public Assistance Scheme, Mr. Tsau Tsor-yan,

says the figures indicate that more people in need now realise the scheme

exists for their benefit.

Individuals without income who qualify get a minimum of $110 a

month. To this can be added a rent allowance, and necessary travelling

expenses, and if justified, up to $100 a month for extra diet.

A family of five without income can get about $430 a month.

Fifteen field units have been set up in various districts to

handle applications and the sixteenth, to serve the Castle Peak area, is

being planned.

Applicants do not have to call personally at the field unit

nearest their home. If they write giving their address, they will be

visited by representatives from the Social Welfare Department.

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