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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) welcomes the Ombudsman's decision to initiate a direct investigation into the granting of Disability Allowance (DA) and processing of appeals, a spokesman for the department said today (November 20).
"We will work closely with the Office of the Ombudsman to facilitate its detailed examination of the matter," he added.
DA was introduced in 1973 to provide some form of financial assistance on a non-contributory and non-means-tested basis for the severely disabled. It is designed to provide a monthly cash allowance to Hong Kong residents who are severely disabled to meet their special needs arising from disability.
According to the existing mechanism, an applicant must be assessed by a medical officer of the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority. The medical officer will assess the degree of disability of the applicant in accordance with the established criteria and guidelines as well as their professional knowledge and judgment, before making recommendation to the SWD with a standardised Medical Assessment Form and a professional checklist.
DA applicants may appeal to the Social Security Appeal Board (SSAB) if they are not satisfied with the SWD's decision on their application. The chairman and members of the board are non-officials appointed by the Chief Executive. In respect of appeal cases on the grounds of disability, the SSAB will arrange for the appellants to undergo medical assessment by an independent Medical Assessment Board.
Ends/Thursday, November 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:33
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