The city's benefits system will be extended to cover more low-income families from Thursday, the city's civil affairs bureau said at a news conference yesterday (June 28).
Eligible low-income families are those whose per capita monthly income is less than 623 RMB (92 USD) but higher than 415 RMB, the city's minimum subsistence allowance, the bureau said.
The city will put aside 100 million RMB each year for the program.
Those eligible can apply for allowances for medical treatment, education and employment, the news conference was told.
Migrant families who don't have Shenzhen hukou but do have residence cards and have had social insurance for one year or more can also benefit from the program.
They can apply for financial aid of between 1,000 and 6,000 RMB in the case of serious illness or accidents, the bureau said.
Shenzhen is the fifth city, following Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang and Nanjing, to cover low-income families with a benefits plan.
Shenzhen's minimum subsistence allowance was raised from 361 RMB per month to 415 RMB in July 2008.
Approximately 14,000 citizens received low-income benefits last year.
(By Tina Chen)
