Heilongjiang in Northeast China announced on Sept 26 that it will increase the basic living allowance throughout the province, in a policy-change that will benefit 2.36 million poverty-stricken residents.

The new policy, which is expected to be implemented from Jan 1, 2018, marks the 11th consecutive time that Heilongjiang’s basic living allowances have been improved.

According to the policy, the monthly basic living allowances for per urban resident will increase to 540 yuan, and the minimum standard for a rural resident will reach 3,780 yuan a year.

In addition, more residents will be included in Heilongjiang’s social assistance system. For example demobilized soldiers, the disabled, the elderly in rural areas, and teachers in poverty-stricken areas will be considered.