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SWD's response to media enquiries on CSSA payment
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     In response to media enquiries regarding an article "$22,000 CSSA payment for a four-member household" being widely circulated on the Internet recently, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department gave the following response today (October 7):

     The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme provides a safety net for those who cannot support themselves financially. It is designed to bring their income up to a prescribed level to meet their basic needs. To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must satisfy the residence requirement and pass the financial tests.

     Currently, CSSA payments can be broadly classified into standard rates, supplements and special grants. Different standard rates are paid to different categories of recipients to meet their basic needs (for example, food, clothing and footwear, fuel and light and durable goods). Supplements include long-term supplements, single parent supplements, community living supplements, transport supplements and residential care supplements. Special grants, such as rent allowance, water and sewage charge allowance and school grants, are payable to eligible recipients to meet their personal or family’s special needs. The amount of CSSA payable is determined by the actual circumstances and needs of respective individuals or families. With effect from February 1, 2016, the average monthly CSSA payment for a four-member household is about $14,000. An example of calculating the CSSA payment for a four-member household is set out in the Annex.
 
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:13
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Annex