Elaine Chik’s comments came after the government on Monday said it will roll out cash incentives of up to HK$45,000 for those who transition from receiving the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme to the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme.
The three-year pilot scheme, which will launch on October 1, will disburse cash in three phases, with increments given at each stage.
Households who leave the CSSA scheme on or after the launch date and submit an application for the WFA, have at least two consecutive WFA applications approved with at least ten months of claims granted within a year, will be eligible for the payments.
Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chik said flexibility could be introduced to make it easier for these people to meet the scheme’s requirements, as many entry-level positions are temporary or contract-based.
“For example, can we give them a grace period of one to two months within the ten-month time frame, due to possible involuntary unemployment or job gap situations?” she said.
“As long as the individual can provide proof of job search during the period, we could actually waive the requirement for their eligibility for benefits. I think this would be a bit more compassionate,” she added.
Speaking on the same programme, lawmaker Bill Tang said more help can be given to single-parent families by getting the Labour Department’s Job Centres to help match employers with women who need to take care of their children.
Meanwhile, the Society for Community Organization said the administration should consider providing those participating in the pilot programme with a transition period.
This could be done by adjusting working-hour requirements under the WFA, it said.
The organisation also suggested the government to disburse the second and third instalments to participants who are eventually employed, even if they have to intermittently return to receiving CSSA due to unemployment or underemployment.
