1. Objectives
The Scheme is set up specifically to help out individuals and families that face difficulties resulting from the outbreak of SARS. It provides relief in the form of temporary financial assistance for individuals and families in distress. Other types of help (e.g. counselling) will be offered when necessary.

2. Eligibility
a) Hong Kong residents who encounter financial difficulties / hardship arising from crisis related to SARS (such as sudden unemployment or reduction in salary leading to financial hardship);
b) The income level of applicants should not exceed half of the income limit of public rental housing application;
c) Successful applicant and his / her family is generally not eligible for re-application within 6 months. Applicants who are assisted by other public or charitable funds / scheme will generally not be considered. Applicants who need long term financial assistance (e.g. CSSA) or who are eligible for other schemes (e.g. Business Community Relief Fund for Victims of SARS) would be referred to such schemes as appropriate.

3. Categories and Level of Assistance
Grants will be paid to meet school related expenses, medical expense of chronically ill persons and to help basic living of the needy ones etc. The ceiling for support is:
a) For a singleton family $2,000
b) For a family with 2 members $3,600
c) For a family with 3 members $5,200
d) For a family with 4 members $6,400
e) For a family with 5 or more members $8,000

4. Applications
To make an application, applicants could approach family service centers or integrated family service centers of Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or community centers of NGOs.

5. Further Information
For further information of the scheme and list of family service centers, integrated family service centres and community centres, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service: http://www.hkcss.org.hk/

6. Enquiries
For enquiries, please telephone 2798 8411 during office hours.
(Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm; Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm; Sunday and Public Holiday closed)

May 9, 2003

* This Scheme is funded by Community Chest, Teachers Against SARS,
Social Welfare Sector Against SARS and Apple Daily Charitable Foundation.