How high living costs and a lack of childcare places has left many Hong Kong single mothers trapped on social security
While many hope to become financially independent, few think it’s possible within the space of a year
Seven out of ten Hong Kong women receiving social security benefits hope to escape poverty and return to work but face immense challenges even with government assistance, a new survey found.
According to the study by the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO), inadequate childcare services and insufficient allowances were the two main obstacles for women trying to enter the workforce.
More than 75 per cent of the 101 female respondents, who receive Comprehensive Social Security Allowance (CSSA), were unemployed, while 13 per cent had part time jobs. And although 71 per cent hoped to become financially independent, only 5 per cent believed it was possible within a year.
“These women desperately want to work, but because they have to take care of children, they’re limited to low-paying jobs, or can’t even work at all,” social worker Sze Lai-shan said.
CSSA payments are calculated based on a 1996 study of basic living needs, with basic monthly payments ranging from HK$2,420 to HK$6,265. If recipients earn more than HK$800 a month, the government deducts half of their income from their allowance.
The vast majority – 87 per cent – of respondents to SoCO’s survey said the allowance was not enough to cover basic living costs.
“Aside from the standard rate not being able to catch up with the pace of inflation, the definition of what are our basic living needs has changed in the past 20 years and needs to be reviewed,” said SoCO community organiser Wendy Huang Wenjie.
Another key issue raised in SoCO’s survey was the city’s severe shortage of childcare services. It said while there are more than 100,000 children in low-income families, there are just 40,000 places for children at government childcare facilities.
The group urged the government to raise the income limit for CSSA recipients to HK$1,200 per month and to introduce more childcare services at schools so that mothers are able to work.
Single mother Jessie Au said if she had a choice, she would rather not receive welfare benefits.
“It’s not that I don’t want to work full-time so we can afford to live a bit better, but as a single mom, I can’t leave my child alone and just think about earning money,” Au said.
