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The Social Security Appeal Board received 367 appeals against decisions relating to social security benefits in 2006-07.
Of these appeals, 128 cases related to Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and 239 cases related to Social Security Allowance (SSA).
A total of 313 appeals were heard during the same year. The board upheld the decisions of the Social Welfare Department in 226 cases (72%) and varied its decisions in 87 cases (28%). All the 87 cases appealed against medical decisions.
"Anyone who is aggrieved by a decision of the Social Welfare Department in respect of eligibility and payment of social security benefits can appeal in writing to the appeal board, which is an independent body, comprising non-officials appointed by the Chief Executive," a department spokesman said.
An appeal can be lodged at the office of the appeal board, the department's headquarters or any of its 37 social security field units, or the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Section, the spokesman said.
Ends/Sunday, September 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:01
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