ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to investigate the views of social security officials on social security policy, and on the interaction between social security benefits and paid work. It is important to examine the views of social security officials as they play important roles in the social security process. Findings from the chapter show that some social security officials were well aware of the problems in the social security system and showed sympathy to lone mothers who were on benefits. They pointed out several problems in the social security system such as: the low level of Earnings Disregard Policy and inadequate support provided for encouraging lone mothers to work. The aim of social security in Hong Kong is helping people to help themselves. This statement conveys two messages: first, to support the needy to solve their financial problems and second, to enable people to be self-reliant.
