Sichuan Province has begun handing out temporary assistance for needy victims in earthquake-stricken areas. These provincial subsidies got underway on Wednesday.

Those eligible for benefits comprise those who were left homeless following the massive earthquake, or who have no incomes or other means of support.

Those eligible for benefits comprise those who were left homeless following the massive earthquake, or who have no incomes or other means of support. Each victim meeting the criteria will receive a ten yuan subsidy per day, as well as half a kilogram of rice. This program is currently expected to last three months.

Meanwhile, elderly people without children, the handicapped and orphans in the quake-stricken areas will receive a 600 yuan subsidy per month. This program is also expected to last three months.

(CCTV May 29, 2008)