Hsu Fang-yu, head of the bureau’s social aid office, said 60 percent of the calls were for emergency aid, and 25 percent were for urgently needed medical treatment subsidies.

The Ministry of the Interior activated the “1957 hotline” service Nov. 17, 2006. People facing dire problems in their life or those confronted with life-challenging accidents can phone county social workers for help via the hotline.

The governmental aid services include emergency relief, short-term accommodation, financial assistance for urgent medical treatment, as well as employment aid.

Hsu said that although the hotline is open to anyone who needs help, most of the people who call ask for cash relief and seem reluctant to receive other kinds of assistance, such as in the area of education and employment.

The hotline service is part of the central government’s “Mega Warmth”social welfare program aimed at helping disadvantaged families escape poverty.

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