Special Needs Trust
Background and Service Objective
The Chief Executive announced in the 2017 Policy Address that the Government decided to take the lead in setting up a “special needs trust”, to provide reliable and affordable trust services.
The Special Needs Trust Office (SNTO) was established in December 2018, with the Director of Social Welfare Incorporated as the trustee, for managing the assets of deceased parents. Regular disbursements will be made to the carers of their children, who may be individuals or organisations, in accordance with the parents’ wishes. This is to ensure that their assets will be used for meeting the long-term daily needs of their children.
Eligibility for the Service
Eligibility criteria for the Settlor:
- A parent or relative of a person with special needs;
- Aged 18 or above;
- Not an undischarged bankrupt at the time of signing the Trust Deed; and
- A Hong Kong permanent resident./li>
Eligibility criteria for the Beneficiary:
- A person with intellectual disability (including Down’s syndrome), mental disorder or autism; and
- A Hong Kong permanent resident who ordinarily resides in Hong Kong.
Fees and Charges
After the trust account is activated, the Trustee will charge an annual fee at a flat rate. With effect from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024, the annual fee for each trust account is HK$20,000. The annual fee is subject to annual adjustment on every 1 October, according to the change in relevant expenses.
Application & Enquiries
Persons who wish to apply for the Special Needs Trust can apply online (E-form) or download the application form (PDF) and submit the completed form in person or by post, to the SNTO of the SWD. For enquiries, please contact our office, the contact information as follows:
| Address ： | Unit 201, 2/F, THE HUB, 23 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, H.K. |
|---|---|
| Telephone ： | 2116 5308 |
| Fax ： | 2117 1451 |
| Email ︰ | sntoenq@swd.gov.hk |
| Opening hours： | Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays |
| Item／Name | Download File / Link |
|---|---|
| Special Needs Trust Application Form | Online Form／PDF |
Special Needs Trust Service Introduction Video
| Item | Video | Text Version |
|---|---|---|
 | Special Needs Trust Service Introduction Video SNTO introduces service content and application procedures in form of animation | Word |
 | Special Needs Trust Sand Art Video SNTO invites a sand art instructor and his student with special needs to create a sand art together, with a view to conveying that the children with special needs could receive proper care and continue to lead a prosperous and wonderful life under the SNT after the passing of their parent/relative. This brings out the messages of "passing love on" and "joining hands". | Word |