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The Social Security Appeal Board received 204 appeals against decisions relating to social security benefits in 2003-04, an increase of 18% compared with 173 appeals in the preceding year.

The 204 appeals comprised 72 Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) cases, 131 Social Security Allowance (SSA) cases and one Traffic Accident Victims Assistance (TAVA) case.

"Compared with the previous year, there was an increase of 27 appeals (60%) in CSSA, an increase of five appeals (4%) in SSA and a decrease of one appeal (50%) in TAVA cases," a Social Welfare Department (SWD) spokesman said.

During the year, the board heard a total of 169 cases, 64 of which were brought forward from 2002-03. No Board hearings were conducted for eight cases brought forward from the previous year due to the appellants' withdrawal of the appeals.

Of the 169 appeals, the Board confirmed the department's decisions in 123 cases (73%) and varied its decisions in 46 cases (27%).

The spokesman pointed out that for the 46 cases with decisions in favour of the appellants, 43 cases appealed against a medical decision and three non-medical CSSA cases appealed against SWD's decisions.

"As for 2002-03, a total of 133 cases were heard. Of them, the board confirmed the department's decisions in 102 cases (77%) and varied its decisions in 31 cases (23%)," he added.

"Anyone who is not satisfied with the decision of the SWD in respect of eligibility and payment of social security benefits can appeal in writing to the Board, which is an independent body," he said.

An appeal could be lodged at the office of the Appeal Board, the SWD's Headquarters or any of its 37 social security field units, or the TAVA Section.

Ends/Friday, January 21, 2005

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