This month, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) said in a statement that it will disburse special grants to 5,540 disadvantaged families, with an estimated total expenditure of about 22.55 million patacas.
Aiming to tackle the situation of poor and economically vulnerable families and to alleviate the financial pressure faced by three types of disadvantaged families (single parents, persons with disabilities and families with chronically ill people), the government has implemented its Social Integration Programme, the bureau said.
Through the programme, special grants are provided and the beneficiaries are encouraged to participate in activities organised by social service organisations so as to integrate into the community and gain a better understanding of community service resources, so that they can seek appropriate support services when needed and prevent family problems, the bureau said.
1,300 disadvantaged families receiving regular assistance will receive the special assistance this month through autopay or the usual mode of distribution in each particular case; and the three categories of disadvantaged families approved this year will receive the special assistance through autopay or cash handout starting on Friday, with a total of 4,240 families benefiting this year from the special assistance. The disbursement is slated for October, i.e., the special assistance is paid to the beneficiaries twice a year.
