TNAG-0571-FCO40-704-Planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 102

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SOCIAL WELFARE

2.

In Hong Kong this term covers means tested payments in cash (public assistance) modelled on the UK supplementary benefits scheme; payments in cash to the disabled and persons over 75, neither of which are means tested, and thus are additional to public assistance if paid; and a wide range of community services including community centres, Community Youth Officers and various services for handicapped and for young children. The total bill for these payments and services has increased from HK$50.70m. in 1971 to HK$406.8m. in 1976/77. A five year plan for their expansion is rolled forward each year. A Social Welfare service training institute was opened two years ago to ensure a steady supply of professional social workers, and for in-service training.

3. The rates of payment for Public Assistance and Disability and Infirmity allowances are pegged to the cost of living index. They are at present:

Public Assistance

Single person living on his own

For a family,

First 3 eligible members

4th, 5th and 6th eligible member

7th eligible member and thereafter

Monthly

$180

$130 each

$105 each

$ 80 each

In addition to the above fixed scale of allowances, the cost of rent, school fees,

school fees, travelling expenses and any other special needs are also met under the Scheme. Savings which do not exceed $2,000 per family member or $3,000 for a single person are not taken into account in assessing family income under the Public Assistance Scheme.

The case load at the end of February was 55,195 covering about 165,000 persons.

Disability and Infirmity Allowance

The scale of allowance is:

Disability allowance

Infirmity allowance

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$180

$ 90