The Zhejiang Provincial Department of Veterans Affairs and six other relevant government departments recently released a joint guideline to offer more assistance to the province's military veterans overcome difficulties in their lives.

The potential recipients of the government assistance include decommissioned military personnel, relatives of martyrs, as well as parents, spouses, and minor offspring of military personnel in active service.

They can apply for government assistance in the following five circumstances: decommissioned military personnel that have difficulties in finding employment or affording medical expenses due to disabilities or serious diseases caused by their former service; decommissioned military personnel that are facing serious financial challenges due to long-term unemployment or sudden lay-offs; decommissioned military personnel that are facing serious financial challenges due to previous wounds, disabilities, or diseases that have been exacerbated; financial difficulties caused by natural disasters, fire, major diseases, personal injuries, and death in the line of duty; as well as other special cases that lead to financial difficulties.

Government assistance is offered in various forms, including healthcare, housing, education, and employment. For example, eligible veterans can receive an extra subsistence allowance, which is at least 10 percent of the locally designated value for the basic cost of living.

The guideline also encourages charitable organizations, social work agencies, and companies to join in offering diversified and personalized support for veterans.