Jiangsu Provincial Department of Civil Affairs and Jiangsu Provincial Department of Finance have recently rolled out the 2026 Provincial Guidance List for Service-oriented Social Assistance Projects. This initiative marks a major shift in social assistance approach in Jiangsu, transitioning from supplies-only relief to a comprehensive “supplies+service” support model.

The List comprises 10 targeted service categories: safety home visits for low-income elderly living alone; residential water, electricity, and gas safety hazard inspection services; professional nursing care for elderly with full or partial functional impairments; community-based rehabilitation services for individuals with mental disorders; medical accompaniment for individuals facing difficulty in accessing healthcare; meal delivery assistance for the elderly; bathing and cleaning aids for people with long-term care needs; public education and awareness initiatives on health and hygiene; care and support for “left-behind” children; and holiday and condolence visits.

The Social Assistance Law of the People’s Republic of China came into effect on July 1, 2026. In response, civil affairs authorities in Jiangsu are leveraging the Smart Social Assistance Platform to establish a robust social security mechanism. The mechanism applies dynamic monitoring to pinpoint key vulnerable groups and delivers tiered and categorized social assistance in an efficient manner, ensuring social assistance coverage for all eligible individuals. Furthermore, the province is vigorously promoting the comprehensive “supplies+service” model as articulated in the guidance list to address the diverse needs of the disadvantaged groups.

Social assistance across the province is also shifting toward the “supplies+service” approach, with local authorities establishing rapid response mechanisms to ensure essential social security needs are met. Hua Ru, Deputy Director of the Social Affairs Office of Wuxing Subdistrict in Zhonglou District, Changzhou, shared a typical case. The family of Wang Ying suffered a double blow—her husband passed away and her daughter was diagnosed with critical illness. Thanks to the prompt effort of the Wuxing Subdistrict, the family received temporary relief and subsistence allowances in no time. Tailored employment support, psychological counseling, and charitable educational aid, among others, were also provided for the family.

Now that the new guidance list is put in place, other regions across the province have a clear framework to deliver such assistance services. Local authorities will coordinate efforts across departments, including civil affairs, health, and the Disabled Persons’ Federation, while leveraging charitable resources to institutionalize the comprehensive “supplies+service” assistance model.