TNAG-0788-FCO40-992-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 39

Interaction with Welfare Benefits

19. Welfare benefits are currently payable to persons over 75 incapable of work,

and it is proposed to reduce the age limit to 70. We foresee possible pressure

not to give welfare benefits to persons who obtained a substantial retirement

benefit, especially if part of this came from employers' contributions, but to

reduce welfare benefits because of voluntary membership of the contributory scheme

seɑma unjust.

26 We would also mention possible difficulties in the proposal in paragraph 6

of the supplementary report, of November 1977, to the Green Paper, to pay a chronic sickness allowance up to age 70. At older ages it may be difficult to

prove that someone is capable of work, especially if employers do not usually

employ such persons. There is a danger that this allowance will effectively

become an age allowance payable from an age below 70.

Government Actuary's, Department

London SW1 --.

3 February 1978

ܐ܂