******************************************************
Two social security initiatives will be implemented over the next two months, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said today (September 29).
This follows the commitment given in the 2005 Policy Address to provide more direct assistance and support for those in need.
With effect from Saturday (October 1), the permissible limit of absence from Hong Kong for recipients of Old Age Allowance and Disability Allowance under the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme is relaxed from 180 days to 240 days per payment year, subject to the recipient having resided in Hong Kong for not less than 90 days in the year to qualify for the absence allowance.
"The initiative will allow the recipients to spend more time outside Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, with effect from November 1, a monthly community living supplement of $100 is payable to severely disabled Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients who are medically certified to be 100% disabled or in need of constant attendance and who are not living in residential institutions.
"The supplement is intended to recognise the heavier expenses severely disabled people may incur while living in the community. It is expected that about 50,000 CSSA recipients will benefit," the spokesman said.
"Residential institution" refers to all types of government, non-profit making, subvented, self-financing and private institutions, irrespective of whether a charge is required.
To qualify for CSSA and SSA, an applicant must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least seven years; and have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application (absence from Hong Kong for a maximum of 56 days during this one-year period is allowed).
Ends/Thursday, September 29, 2005
Issued at HKT 10:01
NNNN
