Children on welfare are not getting enough money to meet their basic needs, a study has found.
The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) scheme has not taken into account children's needs to have their own computer, to see private doctors, to read newspapers and to take part in extra-curricular activities, according to the Council of Social Service.
The study found a child aged between six and 14 from a four-member household needs at least $2,164 a month, almost $900 more than the $1,275 given to a benefit recipient.
Those from a three-member family in the same age group needs at least $2,218, compared with the $1,435 set by the benefit scheme.
The amount calculated included spending on newspapers, a personal computer, six visits to a swimming pool and three visits to private doctors every year.
A child under six in a four-member household needs a minimum $1,610 to lead a basic life, $335 more than a benefit recipient receives. Those from the same age group in a three-member family need at least $1,651, compared with $1,435 provided by the CSSA scheme.
Wong Hung, head researcher of the study and assistant professor of social work at Chinese University, said the government had not made any updates since it last conducted its own basic needs study in 1996 to help set CSSA standards.