临时救助制度 (línshí jiùzhù zhìdù): Temporary relief system

The establishment and implementation of a comprehensive temporary relief system was promoted at an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.

On Oct 25, 2014, the State Council, China's Cabinet, announced the establishment of the temporary relief system as a key part of the basic social security system.

It provides short-term government assistance to individuals and households that encounter financial difficulties due to medical emergencies.

Wednesday's meeting noted that in recent years, local authorities have made great achievements in effectively guaranteeing the basic livelihoods of people in need by establishing a temporary relief system.

Now authorities should enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the temporary relief system and simplify the examination and approval procedures to guarantee all people in need receive temporary relief.

Local authorities should increase the money they provide for temporary relief and promote the establishment of township-level reserve funds.