Over 250,000 swindle basic living allowances

BEIJING - China's Ministry of Civil Affairs found some 257,000 people defrauding basic living allowances in a three-month campaign that ended in September.

The basic living allowance system is social relief designed to help to low income groups. Over the years, many people have tried to swindle the money with fake proof of income or by offering bribes to officials.

Those involved in the fraud have been disqualified from receiving aid.

After the exclusion of fraud and other drains on the system, there are 64.3 million people receiving benefits, said the ministry.