Criteria to get assistance for living in capital eased

Beijing has eased requirements for social assistance in the hopes of helping more people in need.

The new requirements by the Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau are expected to benefit more than 200,000 people - up from the current 130,000.

Under the new program, families who own only one car and have family members with severe diseases can apply for assistance. The car should be used to transport patients to the hospital. Previously, no subsidies were available.