The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in February showed a rise of 997 cases, representing an increase of 0.5 per cent compared with that of January, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (March 17).

     The total CSSA caseload at the end of February stood at 220 674 (see attached table), with a total of 308 941 recipients.

     Analysed by case nature, old age cases slipped slightly by 0.1 per cent to 135 358 cases.

     Unemployment cases edged up by 4.9 per cent to 13 204 cases. Ill-health cases rose by 1.0 per cent to 24 285 cases. Low-earnings cases increased by 0.4 per cent to 2 985 cases. Single parent cases increased by 0.3 per cent to 23 718 cases while permanent disability cases registered a slight increase of 0.2 per cent to 16 946 cases.

     Noting that both unemployment cases and low-earnings cases registered increases, a spokesman for the Government said that the CSSA Scheme serves as a safety net for unemployed, low-income persons and their families having financial difficulties to meet their basic needs.
 

Ends/Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:00

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