Interim Measures for Social Assistance.

These Interim Measures are enacted in accordance with the Constitution, for the purpose of strengthening social assistance, guaranteeing the basic livelihood of citizens, promoting social equity and maintaining social harmony and stability. The Interim Measures consist of 70 Articles divided into 13 Chapters: General Provisions (I); Minimum Subsistence Guarantee (II); Destitute People Support(III); Relief of Victims Suffering from Disasters (IV); Medical Assistance (V); Education Assistance (VI); Housing Assistance (VII); Employment Assistance(VIII); Temporary Assistance (IX); Participation of Social Forces (X); Supervision and Administration (XI); Legal Liabilities (XII); Supplementary Provisions (XIII).
The people's governments at or above the county level shall integrate social assistance into the national economic and social development plan, and establish and improve the social assistance coordination mechanism. The governments shall include the social assistance funds and social assistance work expenses in their financial budgets. The State shall establish and improve the natural disaster relief system and provide living aid to persons whose basic living is affected by serious natural disasters. The relief of natural disasters shall be subject to territorial administration and hierarchical accountability. The State encourages social forces to participate in social assistance through donation, establishment of aid projects, establishment of service institutions, and voluntary services. Social forces participating in social assistance shall enjoy financial subsidies, tax incentives, and fee relief policies in accordance with relevant state regulations. The Interim Measures further provide for the requirements, rules and procedures to be satisfied for the application, acceptance and handling of social assistance.