Seniors with disabilities to get monthly online vouchers

Subsidy program aims to support aging strategy, boost consumption

China has launched a subsidy program for elderly citizens with moderate to severe disabilities, supporting its national aging strategy while aiming to improve elderly care services and boost consumption.

The program, announced by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, will provide electronic vouchers through the civil affairs ministry's "Minzhengtong" digital platform to eligible seniors assessed as having moderate, severe or complete disabilities.

The subsidies will cover home and community-based elderly care services, including meal assistance, bathing support, rehabilitation nursing and day care, along with institutional care for both long-term stays exceeding 30 days and short-term care under 30 days. Recipients will be able to offset service costs proportionally using monthly distributed vouchers.