Apply for minimum living assistance if household income falls below the local threshold
Divide total household income by the number of household members. If it is below the local subsistence threshold and assets also meet the rules, you may qualify. At the end of 2024, the national average standards were RMB 798.1 per person per month in urban areas and RMB 593.9 in rural areas. Apply where your household is registered. Property, vehicles, savings, or children able to provide legally required support can affect eligibility.
What it takes
Free. A member of the household living together submits a written application to the township or subdistrict of household registration. A village or residents’ committee can apply on your behalf if necessary. Expect an income and asset assessment, usually two or three visits, and requests for identity cards, household-registration documents, and income and asset records. Disclosing household finances and waiting through public notice can be uncomfortable.
What you may gain
China’s minimum living assistance, commonly called dibao, covers households meeting both per-person income and asset criteria. At the end of 2024, average national standards were RMB 798.1/person/month in cities and RMB 593.9/person/month in rural areas. Urban assistance covered 6.250 million people and rural assistance 33.615 million. Standards are linked to a specified proportion of local per-capita consumer spending in the preceding year and adjusted periodically. These are national averages, not a promise of the same payment everywhere.
Context & considerations
This is a final safety net, applied for through the household-registration locality. Assets above local limits, or family members able to fulfill support obligations, may prevent approval. Approved status may also bring help with resident medical-insurance contributions, access to medical assistance, and exemption from financial-hardship screening for legal aid.
Research & references
State Council (2014, revised 2019). Interim Measures for Social Assistance, Order 649, Articles 9–11. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2019/content_5468952.htm; National Bureau of Statistics (2025). Statistical report on social development and public well-being during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202509/content_7042627.htm; Ministry of Civil Affairs and three other departments (2024). Guidance on setting and adjusting minimum living assistance standards, document 2024 No. 16. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202403/content_7007237.htm.