Number of ComCare Applications Withdrawn after Submission

34 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) for each year from 2011 to 2016, what is the number of ComCare applicants who have withdrawn their applications after having submitted them; and (b) what is the breakdown of the reasons for their withdrawal.

Mr Desmond Lee: Between 2011 and 2016, the proportion of ComCare applications that were withdrawn after submission averaged about 2% per year.

Applicants may withdraw their applications because they subsequently find a job and hence no longer require help. They may also withdraw their applications because they do not want to share the necessary documents or allow us to speak with their family members to better understand their financial situation.

Whatever the case, we will always advise the applicants that they can return to the Social Service Office should they change their minds and decide to step forward for assistance in future.