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46.
The Public Assistance Scheme provides cash grants to bring the income of a household in need up to a level which permits essentials, such as food and clothing, to be obtained. The cost of accommodation is covered separately by a rent allowance, while special expenses, such as for education, transport, or special dietary needs, are met by discretionary payments. Within the Public Assistance Scheme, additional flat rate supplements are provided for long-term recipients (long-term supplement), elderly recipients over 60 years of age (old age supplement) and partially disabled recipients (disability supplement). the end of August 1986, some 60,000 households (comprising 90,000 persons) were in receipt of Public Assistance.
At
47.
The Special Needs Allowance Scheme comprises old age allowance and disability allowance. It provides cash assistance, on a non-means-tested basis, to meet the special needs of the elderly and the severely
the severely disabled. The qualifying age for the old age allowance is 70, and the disability allowance is for those who have suffered a total loss of
of earning capacity. At the end of August 1986, some 232,000 persons were receiving the old age allowance and some 48,000 the disability allowance.
48.
Both the public assistance and special needs allowance scales of payment are reviewed regularly to keep pace with the cost of living.
49.
The Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme provides compensation for people injured or for dependants of those killed in crimes of violence, or through the action of a law enforcement officer in the execution of his duty. The Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme provides prompt financial help to traffic accident victims or their dependants, regardless of who was at fault in causing the accident. Emergency relief, in the form of cash grants, cooked meals and daily necessities, is provided for victims of natural disasters. All three schemes provide grants to compensate for loss of a wage-earner, differing degrees of disability, additional medical expenses arising through injury and loss of earnings over an interim adjustment period.
Medical benefits
50.
health
service
is
Hong Kong's public substantially subsidized out of general revenue and charges are low. The charges for consultations at general out-patient clinics and specialist clinics are $9 and $12 respectively.
The charge per visit for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and child assessment is also $12. These charges may be reduced or waived in cases of hardship certified by a medical social worker.
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