TNAG-2059-FCO40-2937-Hong-Kong-Overseas-Service-Pensioners--Association-(OSPA)-1990 — Page 41

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iii) Long term supplement

A long term supplement of $870-$2,610 for 1 to 5 or more

eligible members is also payable annually to those who have been

receiving public assistance for more than 12 months to provide the

means to repair/replace household wares and durable goods.

(iv) Rent allowance

Rent allowance and allowance to meet water charges are

payable to meet the cost of accommodation. This will enable those

elderly persons living in private premises to continue to be housed

in a familiar environment and will reduce the demand for public

housing. The rate of rent allowance is $488 for a singleton and

$1,643 for a family of 6-10 members.

(v) Disability supplement

A disability supplement of $343 per month is payable to

those who are partially disabled with at least 50% loss of earning

capacity and are not in receipt of an old age supplement or a

Special Needs Allowance.

(vi) Special payments

Special payments, such as travelling and dietary

allowance, are given to certain categories of recipients to meet other special needs.

(B) Special Needs Allowance Scheme

The Special Needs Allowance Scheme comprises Old Age Allowance and Disability Allowance. It provides cash assistance to

the elderly and the severely disabled persons to meet the special

needs arising from old age and disability. On the other hand, it

also reduces their level of financial dependency upon the family,

thus encouraging other family members to look after them in the

community.

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