Abuse of assistance scheme has led to surge in claims and the Hong Kong government planning to reduce payouts
Road accidents may have lasting consequences for those who survive. The government’s Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme is a lifeline for the injured who could otherwise face financial hardship through loss of earnings, or put their recovery at risk by returning to work too soon. But it has been subject to serious, organised abuse, including faked accidents.
This has contributed to soaring payments to victims and their dependants in recent years, prompting the government to reply with drastic cost-cutting measures. Concern about such abuse is understandable, but authorities must strike a balance to ensure genuine victims do not suffer.
An increase in cases of assistance for injury, disability and interim maintenance had contributed to a rise in total annual payments from about HK$297 million to HK$492 million over five years, members of the Legislative Council’s welfare services panel were told.
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