SHENZHEN raised its standard for the subsistence allowance from 1,070 yuan (US$150) to 1,160 yuan Jan. 1, according to information released from the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau and the Municipal Finance Bureau.

After the adjustment, the amount of the subsistence allowance will be the same as in Shanghai, the country’s highest, the Shenzhen Economic Daily reported.

The move was aimed at raising the basic living standard for residents with the lowest income. The new standard became effective Jan. 1.

The criteria set to qualify as a low-income resident was raised to 1,740 yuan per month, while the standard for cost-of-living support benefits for extremely poor residents was lifted to 1,856 yuan, according to the report.  (Wang Jingli)