This year is the 11th consecutive year for the SAR Government to make a special allocation from budget surplus, and it is in the amount of 7,000 patacas.  Regarding the rumours that the target scope of this measure is the unemployed people or those with financial difficulties, the Social Security Fund (abbreviated to FSS in Macao) clarified that the funds allocated will be directly deposited in eligible Macao residents' non-mandatory central provident fund system’s government-managed sub-accounts, and an elderly needs to be over 65 years old to apply for fund withdrawal under normal circumstances.

The FSS said the relevant appropriation is intended to strengthen the retirement protection of Macao residents and is not a special financial assistance measure.  Members of the public who have enquiries about the procedures may visit the FSS's website at www.fss.gov.mo, or call 2853 2850 during office hours.