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Background and Objective
To improve the quality of life of needy elders, the Government earmarked a one-off funding of $200 million in the 2008-09 Budget to implement the 'Home Environment Improvement Scheme for the Elderly' (the Scheme) for five years. Its objective is to assist elders who lack financial means and family support to improve their dilapidated homes with poor fittings. | |
Leaflet of Home Environment Improvement Scheme for Elderly |
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Scope of Service
The Scheme is to assist needy elders to improve their home environment and enhance domestic safety. Being the delivery agencies, District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) will arrange minor home maintenance and improvement services as well as purchase essential household items (embellishing items not included) for eligible elders based on home environment assessment.
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Application Criteria
To be eligible, applicant needs to meet all of the following requirements -
- Hong Kong residents aged 60 or above;
- living alone or living with other elder(s) aged 60 or above;
- living in an unfavourable environment which is posing safety risks / lacking essential fittings that are necessary to facilitate the elders’ daily activities;
- having a household monthly income* at $5,910 or below for an elder living alone, or $9,740 or below for an elderly couple.
*Amount to be adjusted according to the income limit of Normal Old Age Allowance.
There will be no limitation on the type of housing or ownership of the housing unit. If the eligible applicant is the tenant of the housing unit, written consent should be obtained from the owner or landlord for carrying out minor home maintenance and improvement services.
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Amount and Form of Subsidy
The amount of subsidy for each eligible household (elders living alone or together) will be subject to a ceiling of $5,000 within the five-year period. The service will be provided in the form of minor home maintenance and improvement services and/or purchase of essential household items. No cash will be disbursed to elders direct under the Scheme.
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Application Procedures
Eligible elders can contact the DECCs in their neighbourhood for application or approach elderly service units / other service units / local organisations for referral to DECCs.
As the numbers of applications handled by DECCs / referring organisations vary, and it takes time to conduct eligibility assessments and make service arrangement, the waiting time may be lengthened. |
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Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact the DECCs in the neighbourhood or Social Welfare Department Hotline: 2343 2255.
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Leaflet of the Scheme can be downloaded here.
PDF (Acrobat Document)
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