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The following is issued on behalf of the Community Care Fund Secretariat:
The application period for the Community Care Fund (CCF)'s programme to provide an allowance for new arrivals will run from October 3, 2011, to June 30, 2012. Eligible persons may submit applications during the period to apply for the allowance of $6,000.
The programme seeks to provide additional resources to eligible new arrivals aged 18 or above from low-income families to facilitate their integration and adaptation into the community, and better prepare themselves for permanent settlement in Hong Kong. Some 230,000 people are expected to benefit from the programme.
Target beneficiaries should have entered Hong Kong for settlement for less than seven years on March 31, 2012, and have reached the age of 18 by that day. Applicants should come from low-income families that have passed the means test establishing eligibility for assistance under specified assistance schemes, or have a monthly household income below the specified income limit.
The Chairman of the CCF's Executive Committee, Dr Law Chi-kwong, said, "Applicants can download the application form from the CCF's website from September 30. Alternatively, they may obtain the application form from Public Enquiry Service Centres (PESCs) of the Home Affairs Department, District Social Welfare Offices of the Social Welfare Department and Job Centres of the Labour Department between October 3 and June 30, 2012."
Applicants should send the duly completed application forms, together with relevant documentary proof, by post to the CCF Secretariat, or deposit them at the drop boxes at the PESCs.
Dr Law said, "Applicants will have ample time to submit their application forms since application will be open for nearly nine months. Members of the public are advised to submit their applications by mail, instead of queuing up at the PESCs to submit the application forms in person."
The Secretariat will issue acknowledgements to applicants upon receipt of their applications. Each application will be vetted and audit checks will be conducted on selected applications. Notification of results will be issued to all applicants, irrespective of whether their applications are successful.
The allowance is expected to be disbursed starting from November. If applicants choose to receive their allowance by direct payment through bank accounts, the allowance will be deposited directly into the bank accounts as specified in their application forms.
For applicants who wish to receive the allowance in the form of order cheques, they should collect the cheques in person at the CCF Secretariat within the specified period.
Dr Law reminded the applicants who may need assistance in submitting applications to seek help from trustworthy persons, such as family members, relatives and friends. Applicants should also exercise care in the handling and protection of their personal data.
For more information on the eligibility criteria and application procedure, please visit the CCF's website (www.communitycarefund.hk) or refer to the programme's leaflet.
For enquiries, please call the hotline at 3118 1818.
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:21
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