Two social security initiatives will be implemented over the next two months, said a spokesman of the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department on Thursday.

With effect from Oct. 1, the permissible limit of absence from Hong Kong for recipients of Old Age Allowance and Disability Allowance under the Social Security Allowance Scheme is relaxed from 180 days to 240 days per payment year, said the spokesman.

Meanwhile, with effect from Nov. 1, a monthly community living supplement of 100 HK dollars (US$780) is payable to severely disabled Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients who are medically certified to be 100-percent disabled or in need of constant attendance and who are not living in residential institutions.

"The supplement is intended to recognize 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.

The spokesman said the implementation of the initiatives follows the commitment given in the 2005 Policy Address of Hong Kong to provide more direct assistance and support for those who are in need.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2005)