Social welfare | Disability subsidies increased to MOP8,000 and MOP16,000

Subsidies for residents with disabilities have been increased in both the normal and special disability categories, as announced in a notice published yesterday in the government’s Official Gazette.
The two types of subsidies – regular/normal disability and special disability – are now MOP8,000 and MOP16,000, respectively. The 2014 subsidies were MOP7,000 and MOP14,000 respectively, having increased in 2015 to MOP7,500 and MOP15,000.
The new subsidies will be distributed in October to individuals who submitted their applications before August 31. Those who applied after this deadline will be informed of the new date for the subsidy handout in due course. Children with disabilities who are under the age of four have been included in the special allowance program.
Currently, approximately 8,000 people are eligible for a subsidy, totaling MOP88 million’s worth in total. However, a report by Macao Daily News revealed that the government had claimed that 9,064 residents received the money in 2015.
The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) urges beneficiaries whose personal data has undergone any change to inform the department as soon as possible.
The Disability Subsidy was established by the government in 2011 to care for vulnerable groups.