SWD stringently combats abuses and frauds in relation to Traffic Accident Victims Assistance
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An SWD spokesman said that the department has long been strictly verifying every TAVA application, including seeking written confirmation from the Police on whether a traffic accident is involved and maintaining close liaison with the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health to ensure the injuries sustained by the applicants are related to the traffic accidents concerned. In addition, the SWD also strengthens the procedures of checking income proof, verifies whether the applicants have made any claim for damages or compensation through other means for the same traffic accident and informs insurance companies in writing on the disbursement of payment in a timely manner to avoid double compensation. Any cases found suspected of involving criminal elements will be handled with caution, while referrals will also be made to law enforcement agencies for investigations.
The spokesman stressed that the SWD will continue to step up random checks to strictly combat any abuses or frauds related to TAVA. Any person who possesses information about improper or illegal activities by any person in applying for relevant assistance may lodge a report to the SWD or the law enforcement agencies.
The TAVA Scheme is a social welfare initiative administered by the SWD to provide speedy financial assistance to road traffic accident victims or the surviving dependents of deceased traffic accident victims. An applicant must meet relevant conditions in order to be eligible for assistance payment, including: (1) the accident must have been reported to the Police and determined by the Police as a road traffic accident; and (2) the victim is injured or killed in the accident. In case of injury, the injured victim must be certified by a registered doctor that such injury requires hospitalisation of no less than three days or issued with proof for medical leave of no less than three days.
Ends/Thursday, April 25, 2024
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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