Policy Address

Low-income Working Family Allowance

49.         As the 2012 poverty statistics clearly show, we should accord priority to assisting non-Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (non-CSSA) working families living below the poverty line, especially those with children and young members at school.  The Government proposes to introduce a Low-income Working Family Allowance.  There are two major considerations.

50.         First, despite the protection offered by the statutory minimum wage, many grassroots workers, as the sole breadwinners of families, still bear a heavy financial burden.  Providing them with suitable assistance and encouraging them to remain employed will help keep them from falling into the CSSA safety net.

51.         Second, special attention must be paid to the children and youths of these families.  Offering them appropriate support promotes upward mobility and breaks the vicious cycle of inter-generational poverty.

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