TNAG-0608-FCO40-756-Planning-paper-on-progress-made-on-social-security-in-Hong-K-1977 — Page 70

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Schemes run by Social Welfare Department

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The existing social security schemes run by the Social Welfare Department fall into the broad pattern set out in the White Paper. They are the public assistance scheme, the disability and infirmity allowance scheme, the criminal and law enforcement injuries compensation scheme and emergency relief. The latter two might be conveniently regarded as accident compensation.

(a) Public assistance scheme

The public assistance scheme was first introduced in 1971. It is a means tested but non-contributory scheme, designed to provide cash assistance to individuals and to families where incomes fall below a prescribed level. The benefits are reviewed and increased as necessary in line with the cost of living. Originally, public assistance was not payable to those aged 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.

(b) Disability and infirmity allowance

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.

(c) Accident compensation

The criminal and law enforcement injuries compensation scheme which was introduced in 1973 is designed to assist victims of crimes and violence and 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 material aid for victims of natural or other disasters such as typhoons and fires.

Occupational benefits provided by employers

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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, provision for medical expenses and death-in-service benefits, the provision by employers has been voluntary.

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