五保户

Households Enjoying Five Guarantees

A phrase summarizing the State guarantee on proper food, clothing, medical care, housing and funeral expenses for residents.

The elderly, disabled and children under 16 in rural areas who do not have families supporting them, or whose families do not have the capability of supporting them, can receive financial aid from the government under five categories. If the recipients are children under 16, they will receive help to finish their compulsory education.

A system ensuring qualified rural residents are covered under State welfare was established in 1956. And by 2006, the recipients of this financial aid totaled 3.28 million . The average amount of allowance is 989 yuan ($131.9) a year.