TNAG-0608-FCO40-756-Planning-paper-on-progress-made-on-social-security-in-Hong-K-1977 — Page 125

whose ɑşeu between 15 and 55 who were

fit and available for work, but with effect from

1st April 1977, public assistance was extended to

the unemployed.

ii) Disability and infirmity allowance scheme

The disability and infirmity allowance scheme

caters for 2 vulnerable groups in the community

the severely disabled and the elderly infirm (aged 75 and over) who are not in residential care institutions such as old people's homes and

hospitals. The scheme was introduced in 1973 and

it provides for a non-contributory non-means

tested allowance in addition to any entitlement to

public assistance.

iii) Accident compensation

The criminal & law enforcement injuries compensa-

tion scheme which was introduced in 1973 is

designed to assist victims of crimes and violence c

people who are accidently injured or disabled by

law enforcement officers in the execution of their

duties. Emergency relief is provided in the form

of cash and caterial aid for victims of natural

or other disasters such as typhoons and fires.

Occupational benefits provided by employers

5.

In addition to the social security schemes run by the

Social Welfare Department, there are occupational benefits

provided by employers. These may be provided as a result of

legislation, such as severence payments, workmen's compensation

and sickness allowance. In other areas, such as retirement

benefits, rovision for medical expenses and death-in-service

}

benefits, the provision by employers has been voluntary.

CONFIDENTIAL