Apply for emergency assistance when unexpected crises occur

Cost: There is no cost. Simply submit an application to the township government or subdistrict office, explaining what happened at home — such as a fire, traffic accident, sudden serious illness of a family member, or an unexpected spike in essential expenses. After review and public notice, approval is granted by the county-level civil affairs bureau. Prepare documents according to the local checklist; usually one or two visits are required.
In plain terms: If a sudden crisis strikes — like a fire, car crash, or a family member’s sudden serious illness — and it temporarily overwhelms your ability to cover basic living costs, you can apply for emergency assistance through the township government or subdistrict office. You do not need to already be a dibao recipient. Most often, a one-time payment is issued; the amount varies widely by region.
Benefit: Two types of households qualify for this assistance. The first includes families facing sudden, unavoidable expenses — such as those caused by accidents or a family member’s sudden serious illness — who cannot afford even basic necessities like food, housing, or medical care. The second includes dibao households experiencing an unexpected rise in essential expenses that exceeds their capacity to pay. What kinds of expenses qualify and how much aid is given is determined and publicly announced by local governments at or above the county level (this nationwide system has been in place since 2014).
Evidence grade: B
Sources:国务院 (2014, 2019 修订). 社会救助暂行办法（国务院令第 649 号，第四十七、四十八、四十九条）. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2019/content_5468952.htm
Notes: You do not need to already be a dibao recipient. Usually a one-time payment is issued; exact amounts differ widely across regions and are set by local authorities each year.