Christmas is early for seniors

By Fei Lai  |   2008-12-11  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Shanghai government is expanding the social welfare coverage to include more seniors by lowering the age for them to access a monthly pension.

Under the new rules, seniors of or above 70 years of age and being kept out of any welfare program can receive a monthly pension of 500 yuan (US$72.83). Those 65 or above can get a monthly pension of 400 yuan, the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau said yesterday.

Seniors must also have lived in the city for at least 30 years, currently hold a Shanghai urban residence certificate, or hukou, and have held it for 15 years. They must also not be receiving other social welfare.

Under the old rules adopted in 2006, only those at or above 70 years of age could access a monthly pension of 460 yuan.

Social security service centers at local communities or towns where their hukou are registered will process applications. Seniors can also call the hotline ?? 12333 ?? for help.