MIGRANT workers who are seriously injured in accidents can each get a subsidy of up to 20,000 yuan (US$2,500) from a special fund established in the city.

The startup fund, 4.2 million yuan, comes partly from the Shenzhen Social Welfare Lottery Fund. The Shenzhen Charity Association will withdraw 500,000 yuan from the fund each month to help injured workers.

At the launch ceremony Friday, Xie Hai’er became the first beneficiary of the program.

Xie came to work in Shenzhen last June and was completely disabled in a traffic accident in September. Following intensive care from medical workers and with the help of public donations, Xie regained his consciousness, but owed 180,000 yuan for his medical treatment. Xie’s family wrote letters to the relevant government agencies, asking for help and the Shenzhen Charity Association decided to help him, offering 20,000 yuan.

According to the city’s civil affairs bureau, residents with permanent residence permits are not covered by the program.

The subsidy is based on the cost of medical treatment. Migrant workers whose medical treatment costs more than 100,000 yuan can receive a subsidy of 20,000 yuan. Migrant workers whose medical expenses range from 50,000 to 100,000 yuan can receive 10,000 yuan subsidy. The city’s civil affairs bureau, municipal and district government departments handle letters and complaints from the public, and the media can recommend candidates for the aid.

Qualified candidates will receive the subsidy after their case has been reviewed and approved by a panel comprising lawmakers and representatives from the municipal committee of the CPPCC and media.

The Shenzhen Charity Association has called upon the public for donations to the fund at account number 443066168012015038888, Bank of Communications, Shenzhen Bagualing Subbranch.