» Program
Minimum Living Subsidy Scheme (Dibao)
China
Other
Child and family allowances
1993
Description of programme
The scheme pays the difference between the monthly income of poor households and a minimum level set at the city level.
Indicators
Transfert
Vary by benefit line (poverty line) and by depth of poverty. In principle the benefit line is the costing of 20 items in a basic food and non-food basket (does not include medical costs or education user fees). In practice different cities use different methods of arriving at this benefit line, and financial capacity is an important influence. Transfers to childless and elderly people can reach US$10 a month in Guangdong, but only US$6 in western regions.
Outcome
To assist poor households in urban China, especially in the context of structural adjustment and the marketisation of SOEs.
Agencies
Ministry of Civil Affairs and City authorities (civil affairs departments)
Cost
In 2004 coverage rate was 4.05 percent of urban population. It only covers registered residents, and therefore excludes unregistered migrants.
Coverage
In 2003, the central government contribution to the MLSS was 9.2b Yuan or 61% of total MLSS expenditure.
