Subsistence index up 1pct in January

According to a dispatch from Chief Executive Fernado Chui Sai On in today’s Official Gazette, the government’s minimum subsistence index will increase by 1.04%, effective July. The new adjustment states that the index for an individual is 3,800 patacas (US$348.76) while a household of eight or more reaches 17,730 patacas. Poverty allowances are distributed based on the minimum subsistence index, which serves as an indicator of amount of total income to maintain the minimum standard of living. The last adjustment was made in July last year.