Press Releases

Financial assistance scheme to honour heroic death

The Government announced today (January 9) the setting up of a scheme to provide financial assistance to family members of those who sacrifice their lives to save or protect others. The Scheme takes effect today.

Family members of an individual lawfully residing in Hong Kong, who dies as a consequence of trying to save or protect another person in Hong Kong, are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

"The Scheme represents the Government's recognition of the honourable sacrifice of the deceased. In practical terms, it will help address the different financial needs of the surviving family in their bereavement. We hope that this new scheme will provide timely relief against unforeseeable financial difficulties which may arise," said Dr E K Yeoh, Secretary for Health and Welfare.

The level of assistance will vary according to the age of the deceased and the current level of median monthly employment earnings in Hong Kong. Based on the level of median monthly employment earnings in the third quarter of 2001, the maximum and minimum levels of assistance will be approximately HK$6 million and HK$3 million respectively.

Dr Yeoh said the assistance would be provided in addition to any other assistance, compensation and donations the concerned family might receive. The payment will be disbursed to members of the deceased's family according to the scale of apportionment, as specified in Schedule 7 of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance. The assistance will be funded from the General Revenue of the Government.

A Committee will be set up to serve as the approving authority of the Scheme. It will be chaired by the Secretary for Health and Welfare and comprise non-official members from a wide range of sectors.

Apart from financial assistance, many other existing services, such as counselling, are in place to address the needs of the bereaved family.

End/Wednesday, January 9, 2002

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