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The Social Security Appeal Board received 368 appeals against decisions relating to social security benefits in 2007-08.
Of these appeals, 103 cases related to Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, 264 related to Social Security Allowance and one related to Traffic Accident Victims Assistance.
A total of 409 appeals were heard during the same year. The board upheld the decisions of the Social Welfare Department in 268 cases (66%) and varied its decisions in 141 cases (34%). All 141 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/Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:01
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