(ECNS) -- China spent 243.6 billion yuan ($36.1 billion) on civil affairs programs in the first half of 2026, up 5.2% year on year, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said Wednesday.

The data showed that 5.89 million urban residents and 33.46 million rural residents were covered by minimum subsistence allowances, while 4.94 million people in extreme difficulty received government assistance and support.

Meanwhile, 12.03 million people with disabilities in financial difficulty received living allowances, and 16.87 million people with severe disabilities received nursing care subsidies. 

(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)