What are the eligibility criteria for applying the Old Age Allowance (OAA) or Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) under the Guangdong (GD) Scheme?

Regarding the details of eligibility criteria of OAA and OALA under the GD Scheme, please see eligibility criteria.

If GD Scheme applicants has been temporarily absent from Hong Kong before the date of application, does he/she meet the residence requirement of having resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application?

The GD Scheme applicants must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least seven years and have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application (absence from Hong Kong up to a maximum of 56 days during the one-year period is treated as residence in Hong Kong).

In addition, in the first year of implementation of the merger of OALA under the GD Scheme (i.e. 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023), a special one-off arrangement is re-launched to allow Hong Kong elderly persons who have resided in GD and have satisfied all other prescribed eligibility criteria (including age, means test requirement for OALA, etc.), but fail to meet the requirement of having resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application, to benefit from OAA or OALA under the GD Scheme without having to return to and stay in Hong Kong for one year. However, these applicants must have resided in GD for at least one year immediately before the date of application (absence from GD for not more than 56 days during the one-year period is treated as meeting the residence requirement).

I am not receiving any allowance. How do I apply for OAA/OALA under the GD Scheme?

Applicants must complete the application procedures in person in Hong Kong, prior to which applicants are required to return the completed application form together with photocopies of the relevant supporting documents and two recent photos to the Social Security Field Unit (Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme) [(SSFU(GDS & FJS)]by post. Applicants can also make an application by online form. After receiving an application, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) will invite the applicant to attend an interview and complete the application procedures at the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by appointment. When attending the interview, the applicant must produce original copies of the relevant supporting documents, such as Hong Kong Identity Card (HKIC), travel documents (e.g. Home Visit Permit), etc. OALA applicants should also bring along original copies of identity documents of their spouse/cohabiting partner (only applicable to an applicant whose marital status is "Married" or "Cohabiting"^(Note)) and relevant documents pertaining to their income and assets held by them and their spouse/cohabiting partner (only applicable to an applicant whose marital status is "Married" or "Cohabiting"^(Note)). SWD may, where necessary, ask the applicants for supplementary information.

(Note) Only applicable to cases where the applicant (i) is currently living with a cohabiting partner in the same household; (ii) is living on shared resources with the cohabiting partner; and (iii) agrees to provide the personal and financial information of the cohabiting partner to the SWD, regardless of whether the applicant's cohabiting partner is/is not currently receiving the allowance under the GD Scheme/other allowance. Such application will be subject to the means test assessment based on the "Financial Resource Limits for Married Couples".

I am currently receiving OALA in Hong Kong. How can I make an application for conversion to OALA under the GD Scheme?
If you are receiving OALA in Hong Kong and wish to convert to receive OALA under the GD Scheme, you must complete the "Application Form for Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme" and return the completed application form together with photocopies of the relevant supporting documents and two recent photos to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by post or in person. Applicants can also make an application by online form. After receiving an application, SWD will invite the applicant to attend an interview and complete the application procedures at the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by appointment.

I am currently receiving OAA under the GD Scheme. How can I make an application for conversion to OALA under the GD Scheme?
If existing OAA recipients of the GD Scheme intend to apply for OALA under the GD Scheme, they can obtain the “Guangdong Scheme Simplified Form” from the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by phone or by post. The form can also be downloaded here. After completing and signing the form, they may return it together with photocopy(ies) of their and their spouse’s/cohabiting partner’s [only applicable to an applicant whose marital status is “Married” or “Cohabiting” (See Note of Q&A 3)] HKIC, to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by post to make an application. After receiving the application, SWD will invite the applicant to attend an interview and complete the application procedures at the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by appointment.

For current recipients of OAA under the GD Scheme, will they be granted OAA at the same time if they switched to receive OALA under the GD Scheme?
According to the existing provision, elderly persons receiving OALA must not be in receipt of other allowances under the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme or assistance under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme. Therefore, elderly persons receiving OALA will not be granted OAA at the same time.

I am 72 years old and currently receiving OALA under the GD Scheme. What should I do if my income or assets exceed the limits resulting in ineligibility for OALA?
After the “grace period” (please refer to FAQs of “Grace Period” Arrangement), if the elderly person and/or his/her spouse's/cohabiting partner’s (if applicable) income and/or assets increase resulting in income and/or assets exceeding the limits for OALA, he/she should immediately report to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) or SWD’s Agent.

Elderly persons aged 70 or above can apply for the non-means-tested OAA. The elderly person can report his/her excessive income and/or assets and apply for OAA under the GD Scheme by completing the "Guangdong Scheme Simplified Form" and returning it to the SSFU(GDS & FJS). Upon receipt of the form, SWD will contact the elderly person and take follow-up actions as appropriate.

After submitting an application, when will I be interviewed by SWD to complete the application procedures?
SWD will issue acknowledgements to applicants upon receipt of their applications. SWD will arrange for applicants to complete the application procedures at the SSFU(GDS & FJS) by appointment to facilitate the conducting of interview for elderly persons in a smooth manner.

How long will it take SWD to finish the interview and complete the application procedures?
It is expected that the application procedures will be completed within approximately 30 minutes, provided that the applicant can provide all the necessary documents. Details of the Scheme, including the obligations of a beneficiary and the arrangement of annual reviews, will also be explained to the applicant during the application procedures.

When will the allowance be paid after SWD's interview with an applicant?
If an applicant has not provided all the necessary documents, officers will ask the applicant to submit supplementary documents in order to complete the application procedures. When the allowance will be paid depends on when the applicant completes all the procedures. If an applicant can provide all the necessary documents and complete all the procedures during the interview, SWD, having ascertained the eligibility of the applicant, will generally be able to make the payment to an approved application within seven working days.

Are the applicants required to return to Hong Kong to complete the application procedures?
In general, all applicants for the GD Scheme are required to go to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) to complete the application procedures in person to ensure that the applicants provide the information required. In addition, details of the Scheme will be explained by SWD officers to the applicants so that they can fully understand their obligations as a beneficiary of the Scheme. For applicants who can produce medical proof(s) issued by public hospitals/clinics indicating that they may not be able to travel to Hong Kong for the application due to health condition, SWD will request its agent to assist the applicant in completing the application procedures.

How can Hong Kong elderly persons who are residing in GD obtain application forms?
"Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme Application Form" and "Application for Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme Guidance Notes" can be downloaded from the website of the GD Scheme of SWD (http://www.swd.gov.hk/gds). In addition, applicants may also make an application by online form or obtain the application forms and guidance notes from social security field units in all districts in Hong Kong and various designated locations in GD province. Please visit the website of the GD Scheme of SWD (http://www.swd.gov.hk/gds) for details. Applicants may also obtain the application forms and guidance notes through the Enquiry Line of GD Scheme and FJ Scheme: (852)31053266 or by post to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) (address: Units 2110-2111, Level 21, Landmark North, 39 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong).

Is the application form complicated? How can applicants receive assistance in completing the application form?
The “Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme Application Form” is basically the same as the current SSA Scheme Application Form. The “Application for the Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme Guidance Notes” also provides a step-by-step guide on how to complete all parts of the application form, together with samples for reference by the applicants. Officers of the SSFU(GDS & FJS) will render assistance to an applicant in completing the application form if so required as appropriate. In addition, an applicant may call the Enquiry Line of GD Scheme and FJ Scheme: (852)31053266 to enquire about the content of the application form and how to fill in the relevant information.

For an applicant who is unable to find a relative or friend to be his/her witness when completing the application form, what can he/she do?
If an applicant is unable to find a person to be his/her witness, he/she may submit the application form without completing the particulars of the witness. When the applicant attends the interview at the SSFU(GDS & FJS), officers will verify the relevant information with the applicant. Similarly, staff of the agent appointed by SWD will also verify the relevant information during the interview with the applicant who, due to health reasons, is unfit to return to Hong Kong to complete the application procedures.

Can the application be submitted online?
Applicant can make an application for GD Scheme by online form. Upon receipt of an application, SWD will make arrangement for an interview with the applicant at the Social Security Field Unit (Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme). SWD may, when necessary, ask the applicant for supplementary information.

Should married elderly persons apply for OALA together in the name of a couple or by separate applications be made?
Married elderly persons are required to make the applications for OALA separately, but the couple should declare the total value of the monthly income and assets owned by them.

If an applicant will only meet the qualifying age two months later, can he/she apply for the GD Scheme now?
SWD accepts a GD Scheme applicant to make an application for OALA/OAA within one month prior to his/her reaching the respective qualifying age (i.e. the 65th or 70th birthday) for the allowance. Under this arrangement, the OALA/OAA payment under the GD Scheme will be calculated from the date the applicant fulfils the qualifying age and satisfies all the eligibility criteria, whichever is later.

If an applicant cannot produce residential address proof in GD as he/she rented a flat that his/her name is not shown on the water bill, electricity bill and gas bill, what kind of documents other than the preceding ones would be accepted as a residential address proof?
Rent receipt, any utilities bills for his/her rented residential premise or letter issued by government departments showing his/her name can serve as a residential address proof for his/her application for the GD Scheme.

Even if the applicant is living with his/her children that his/her name is not shown in any utilities bills, he/she should try to submit other documents, such as letter issued by government department or banks, as the residential address proof.

If the applicant does not have any documents to serve as the residential address proof in GD, he/she can still submit his/her application for the GD Scheme with other supporting documents by post to the designated SSFU(GDS & FJS) and SWD will process his/her case depends on individual conditions.

How will the payment commencement date of allowance be determined?
The payment commencement date of allowance is the date of receipt of application by SWD (or the date of application or referral if the application is referred by another organisation) or the date on which the applicant satisfies the eligibility criteria for the allowance, whichever is later.

How do elderly persons who do not have a bank account in Hong Kong receive payments?
Currently, social security payments made by the Hong Kong Government are directly credited to beneficiaries' designated bank accounts in Hong Kong. Elderly persons may open a bank account in Hong Kong in order to receive OAA/OALA under the GD Scheme. For elderly persons who are unable to open a bank account in Hong Kong, they may authorise a relative or friend to receive the payment on their behalf. The agent appointed by SWD will also render assistance if needed or receive the payment on behalf of the elderly persons when necessary. This arrangement is in line with the current arrangement under the Portable Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme.

Why can't the payments of allowance be credited directly to the applicants' bank accounts in the Mainland?
SWD has discussed with all major banks in Hong Kong. Due to the laws and regulations of the Mainland, it is confirmed that cross-border autopay arrangement cannot be made to transfer the payments of allowance to beneficiaries' bank accounts in the Mainland directly. It is also not feasible for SWD to make the remittance arrangement on behalf of the applicants and the applicants may need to pay rather high fees.

For some elderly persons who may be holding invalid HKIC (i.e. HKIC issued before 23 June 2003), how do they make an application?
Applicants for the GD Scheme must produce a valid HKIC to prove their resident status and their eligibility under the Scheme. Any person holding an invalid HKIC must return to Hong Kong for renewal of the card.

Please call the Immigration Department at (852)28246111 for enquiries about returning to Hong Kong for renewal of HKICs.

If the above applicants with invalid HKIC are unfit to return to Hong Kong for smart identity card replacement due to health reasons, how should they proceed with the applications for the GD Scheme?
If applicants who have invalid HKICs are able to produce documents issued by local hospitals/clinics to prove that they are unfit to return to Hong Kong for smart identity card replacement or for completion of the applications for the GD Scheme at the SSFU(GDS & FJS), they will be required by SWD to produce other valid documents, such as other valid proof of identity or travel documents, as a proof of their identity and eligibility for application.

If an applicant is holding an invalid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as the Home Visit Permit), how should they return to Hong Kong?
If an applicant has a Home Visit Permit which has expired and become invalid, he/she may apply for a one-off Entry and Exit Permit through the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) (CTS) on the Mainland.

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the applicants may apply for the Home Visit Permit through the CTS in Hong Kong for returning to the Mainland (applicants can use the Acknowledgement of Application for Identity Card issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to make the applications).

[Please note that in arranging to come to Hong Kong, applicants should allow sufficient time for going through the application procedures. For details of applying for Home Visit Permit for returning to the Mainland, please contact CTS [telephone: (852)29987888] for enquiries.]

For applicants who are PRH tenants, will they be eligible for the GD Scheme?
Applicants who are PRH tenants are required to surrender their PRH units or delete their names from the PRH tenancies before they depart from Hong Kong in order to be eligible for the GD Scheme.

Therefore, if an applicant decides to leave Hong Kong and reside in GD on a long-term basis, he/she is required to inform the Housing Department (HD)/Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) and submit relevant document(s) for surrendering PRH unit or requesting for name deletion from PRH tenancies concerned to HD/HKHS. Besides, the applicant should authorise SWD to inform HD/HKHS of his/her decision on leaving HK to facilitate HD/HKHS in taking appropriate follow-up action.

What are the specific arrangements for applicants to surrender their PRH units? If they withdraw from the GD Scheme and return to settle in Hong Kong, will they be allowed to apply for PRH units or reinstatement of tenancies?
If an applicant of the GD Scheme is a PRH tenant, he/she may, if necessary, apply for keeping his/her original PRH unit for a maximum of three months, during which he/she may consider his/her suitability of settling in the GD province. During this grace period, the applicant can return and continue to live in his/her original PRH unit should he/she decide to withdraw from the GD Scheme and return to settle in Hong Kong provided that they have been duly paying rents to HD/HKHS. Subject to the concerned PRH Units can be recovered without breach of Tenancy Agreement, he/she may apply for a Letter of Assurance (LA) from the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)/HKHS so that a refurbished PRH unit will be allocated to him/her if he/she fulfills the eligibility criteria for PRH application and conditions as laid down in the LA in the event of his/her return to Hong Kong for good, subject to availability of resources.

Moreover, applicants who are authorised family members of PRH tenancies may also apply to HA for a Letter of Reinstatement if they delete their names from the tenancies while their family member(s) is/are still living in the PRH unit. In the event of their return to Hong Kong for good, subject to meeting the prevailing housing policies, they can apply for reinstatement of their names into the tenancies as authorised family member provided that the tenancies of the flat concerned still exist by the time of redemption.

What do income and assets include?
Income includes wages from employment, income from handiwork, business, etc. (including salaries, wages, monthly commissions or bonuses received, and monthly income from self-employment); retirement benefits/pensions; net income on rentals collected; and payout from the annuity scheme(s). While monthly or occasional contributions (including pocket money or contributions for living expenses) from family members/relatives/friends and monthly payments received under the Reverse Mortgage Programme (RMP) (only applicable to the RMP where the property as collateral is an owner-occupied property) and the Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme are excluded, any savings/cash in hand accumulated from unused or unspent amount will be treated as assets.

Assets include land and non-owner-occupied properties, cash in hand, bank savings, investments in stocks and shares (including bonds, trust fund, interest in any business of sole proprietorship, partnership or firms/limited companies and accrued retirement benefits), vehicle for commercial use/investment (e.g. taxi and public light bus) and its business licence, and gold bars and gold coins, etc. (jewellery for self-use are disregarded). Owner-occupied property, columbarium niche for future self-use and the cash value of insurance schemes are excluded. Please see Note iv of Eligibility Criteria for the details of income and assets.

What are accrued retirement benefits?
Accrued retirement benefits refer to retirement benefits currently held in Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme(s)^(Note) or other retirement scheme(s). The estimated total amount of such accrued benefits can be based on information in the latest benefit statement(s) issued by the MPF trustee(s) or other retirement schemes trustee(s)/administrator(s) or information obtained through other relevant documents. For applicant's spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) aged below 65, the accrued retirement benefits (only applicable to the accrued retirement benefits derived from mandatory contributions and tax deductible voluntary contributions) of the spouse/cohabiting partner are disregarded under the asset test while the monthly mandatory contributions to MPF Scheme(s) or other retirement scheme(s) are disregarded under the income test. However, the accrued retirement benefits withdrawn are treated as assets.

(Note) According to the provisions of the MPF Scheme, once MPF members attain the retirement age of 65, they can withdraw all their accrued retirement benefits in a lump sum on their own accord.

What is the reference date for determining the amount of the applicant's and his/her spouse's/cohabiting partner's (if applicable) income and assets?
The reference date for determining the amount of the applicant's and his/her spouse's/cohabiting partner's (if applicable) income and assets is the date of completing the application form (i.e., the date entered into the application form).

Under what circumstances are applicants required to provide information on their spouse's/cohabiting partner's personal particulars, income and assets?
When an applicant's marital status is "Married" or "Cohabiting" (See Note of Q&A 3), the applicant is required to provide his/her spouse's/cohabiting partner's personal particulars as well as information on his/her spouse's/cohabiting partner's income and assets, regardless of whether his/her spouse/cohabiting partner is receiving OALA/other allowance. If the applicant is "Never Married", "Separated", "Divorced" or "Widowed", he/she is only required to provide his/her personal particulars and information on his/her own income and assets.

When calculating the income, how will the elderly persons declare if their income is unstable?
Applicants with unstable income can declare the income earned at the time when they submit the applications.

If elderly persons transfer their assets to their family member(s) before making the declaration in order to meet the prescribed limit of assets, will they be eligible for OALA under GD Scheme? Will they be considered as having made false declaration in future case reviews?
OALA aims at alleviating poverty and supplementing the living expenses of elderly persons with financial needs. Therefore, applicants are required to declare their and their spouse's/cohabiting partner's (if applicable) income and assets honestly. Their income and assets must not exceed the prescribed limits at the time of the declaration in order to meet the eligibility criteria.

Aiming at helping those with genuine needs, OALA has been designed to be convenient in the application and on the basis of trust. It is a matter of personal and family decision as to how elderly persons would manage their assets. Elderly persons are advised to take into account the risks involved and handle this matter carefully. If an elderly applicant intentionally withholds or omits any relevant information, he/she may have breached the law and be liable to prosecution. SWD will also duly recover any overpayment so incurred.

How will the value of assets be assessed if an applicant holds a joint account with his/her family member(s)? Are ancestral houses and columbarium niches regarded as assets? Are earnings from collecting and selling carton papers, with no proof of income, regarded as income?
Assets include those in Hong Kong, Macao, the Mainland and overseas separately or jointly owned by the applicant and/or his/her spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) or jointly owned with other person(s). If an applicant holds a joint account with his/her family member(s), the value of the assets concerned will generally be apportioned by half, unless both parties specify the proportional share of the assets in a joint declaration. As for properties, only the value of one residential property which is the applicant's principal place of residence in GD and one parking space for self-use are regarded as "owner-occupied properties" and are disregarded under the asset test. Other properties, including ancestral houses, separately or jointly owned by the applicant and/or his/her spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) or jointly owned with other person(s) are regarded as non-owner-occupied properties and should be taken into account for assessment of assets. A columbarium niche for future self-use is generally excluded from the assessment of assets.

Income/earnings generated from any kind of work undertaken by the applicant and/or his/her spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) should be declared.

Will contributions from relatives or friends be counted as income or assets? My mother has been living in a self-occupied flat in GD for over 20 years. She is now 86 years old and has several hundred thousand dollars life savings which she won't use as long as she is alive. Each month she has about $6,000 for her living, with $5,000 from my younger brother and about a thousand dollar of "fruit money". Will she be eligible for the OALA?
Contributions (including pocket money or contributions for living expenses) from family members, relatives or friends are not counted as income under the OALA. However, contributions (including pocket money or contributions for living expenses) accumulated as savings will be regarded as assets. If the total value of income and assets are lower than the prescribed limits, he/she will be eligible for OALA. It is worth noting that if the recipient receives OALA under GD Scheme, he/she will not be granted OAA, which is commonly known as "fruit money", at the same time.

If a husband is over 65 years old and has personal assets, while his wife has not reached the age for application for OALA, should he declare his personal assets only?
If an applicant's marital status is "Married" or "Cohabiting" (See Note of Q&A 3), he/she should declare the income and assets of his/her spouse/cohabiting partner even if his/her spouse/cohabiting partner has not reached the age for application.

My mother has been an OAA recipient who does not have any income or assets. She lives with us (her sons) but we have assets. Will she be eligible for OALA?
Assessment of applicants' eligibility for OALA under the GD Scheme is on the basis of a single person or married couples, but not on a household.

My mother has asked me whether SWD will find out if she withdraws all her several-hundred-thousand-dollar savings from the bank and put them in a biscuit tin?
Cash in hand is regarded as assets. Applicants should make an honest declaration of their income and assets and any deliberate non-disclosure or omission of relevant information may make them liable to prosecution. Any overpayment so involved will be duly recovered by SWD.

I live with my son who has been repaying mortgage loan for his flat. I own another flat which is on lease and collect a rental of several thousand dollars. Can I apply for OALA under GD Scheme if my assets do not exceed the limits? What are the asset limits for a household of two?
Net income received from letting or sub-letting is regarded as income and non-owner-occupied properties are regarded as assets. If the applicant's income and assets are lower than the prescribed limits, he/she is eligible for OALA under GD Scheme.

Is the cash value of insurance schemes regarded as assets? If the personal savings are used for acquiring insurance, will such amount of savings be excluded from assets?
The cash value of insurance of recipients is disregarded in the asset test. This is based on the existing simple declaration mechanism of income and assets for the convenience of elderly persons. It also takes into consideration that the insurance policies acquired by elderly persons with financial needs are mostly under the categories of life, medical or critical illness insurance, etc. The cash value (including dividend or bonus, etc.) of such insurance, which have to be accumulated over a long period of time for contingency use. It is therefore not counted as assets. However, if the insurance schemes owned by the applicant and/or his/her spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) do not involve insurance elements of the above, the cash value of the insurance schemes will be counted as assets according to the categories of assets (e.g. investments or savings).

Are parking spaces of the properties included as assets? Is the rent received from parking spaces part of the income?
Parking spaces are part of properties. Same as owner-occupied properties, only the value of one residential property which is the principal place of residence in GD and one parking space for self-use in GD will not be counted as assets. But for a parking space being leased out, its value will be included as assets and the net rent received will also be included as income.

Are items kept in a safe deposit box regarded as assets?
All items belonging to the six listed categories of assets (e.g. cash in hand, bank savings, investments in stocks and shares, gold bars and gold coins, etc.) kept in a safe deposit box are also regarded as assets.

I have gold tooth/teeth as well as some jade jewellery and ornaments. Are they regarded as assets?
Gold tooth/teeth and personal ornaments (including gold jewellery, jade jewellery, etc.) can be excluded from being counted as assets.

How will the value of investment in shares, foreign currencies, gold bars and other assets be calculated?
If the applicant has investment in shares, foreign currencies, gold bars and other assets, the average selling price [i.e. (the highest + the lowest) / 2] quoted on the last transaction day immediately preceding the date of application for OALA should be taken into account as value of the assets. The applicant may also make reference to the latest bank statement/statement of securities (if appropriate) issued on the nearest day before the date of application.

How will the value of assets be assessed if an applicant holds a joint account with his/her family member(s) and the assets are not apportioned by half? How should both parties declare the proportional share of the assets when completing the Application Form?
If an applicant holds a joint account with his/her family member(s) and the assets are not apportioned by half, both parties are required to specify the proportional share of the assets in a joint and duly signed declaration. The account number and total assets value of the joint account concerned as well as the proportional share of the assets of both parties should be clearly listed out in the declaration. The applicant should return the completed Application Form together with the signed declaration to SWD.

What is the "grace period"?
The "grace period" is a treatment under which the case status is assumed to have no change during the year immediately after a recipient is granted OALA. This means that any subsequent changes in the recipient's circumstances resulting in excessive income and/or assets which may affect the recipient's eligibility for the allowance can be disregarded within the "grace period" of 12 full months counting from the date of eligibility. Simply speaking, payments made to the recipient will not be affected even if his/her income and/or assets and those of his/her spouse/cohabiting partner has/have thereafter exceeded the prescribed limits during the "grace period". However, if the recipient is found to have made false or incorrect declaration of income and/or assets at the time of application such that he/she is eligible for OALA, any allowance paid will be regarded as overpayment and should be duly returned to SWD.

How is the 12-month "grace period" determined?
The 12-month "grace period" refers to the 12-month period counting from the date of eligibility for OALA. For example, if the recipient is eligible for OALA under the GD Scheme on 1 September 2022, the 12-month "grace period" will be from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 inclusive. During the "grace period", any subsequent changes in the recipient's circumstances resulting in excessive income and/or assets which may affect his/her eligibility for the allowance can be disregarded.

What should I do if in future my income/assets has/have exceeded the prescribed limits after the "grace period"?
If, in future, your and your spouse's/cohabiting partner's (if applicable) income and/or assets has/have exceeded the prescribed limits after the "grace period", you should immediately report such change(s) to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) or the SWD's Agent for re-assessing your continued eligibility for OALA under the GD Scheme.

Will existing OALA recipients in Hong Kong/Fujian be given the 12-month "grace period" under the GD Scheme if they convert to receive OALA under the GD Scheme?
If existing OALA recipients in Hong Kong/Fujian convert to receive OALA under the GD Scheme, the recipients will not be granted a 12-month "grace period" afresh under the GD Scheme but only be granted the remaining "grace period" (if any) that has not been given during receipt of OALA in Hong Kong/Fujian. For example, if the recipient has been given a grace period of five months while receiving OALA in Hong Kong, it will be given only a grace period of seven months to the recipient under the GD Scheme when he/she converts to receive OALA under the GD Scheme.

I have been eligible for OAA under the GD Scheme since 8 January 2021. In the first payment year, I stayed in GD for not less than 60 days and was absent from GD for a total of 300 days. In what way would my absence from GD affect the payment of OAA?
As you had resided in GD for not less than 60 days in the relevant payment year (i.e. from 8 January 2021 to 7 January 2022), you were entitled to the 305-day permissible limit of absence from GD. Since you had been absent from GD for 300 days in that payment year, the number of days of absence was less than the permissible limit. You were entitled to receive a full-year allowance in that payment year.

I have been eligible for OALA under the GD Scheme since 26 September 2022, I then absent from GD for most of the time. If I only stay in GD for a total of 40 days in the relevant payment year, in what way would my absence from GD affect the payment of OALA?
If you reside in GD for less than 60 days in the relevant payment year (i.e. from 26 September 2022 to 25 September 2023), you are not entitled to the 305-day absence allowance in that payment year. You are only entitled to receive allowance during your 40-day residence in GD in that payment year. In case of overpayment, you have to repay it to SWD.

Following the above question, if my absences from GD were arisen from paid work in Hong Kong, will the days of absence from GD be disregarded?
Consideration can be given to disregarding your absences from GD arising from paid work outside GD on condition that you can provide sufficient documentary proof to SWD.

What is the role of the agent for OAA and OALA under the GD Scheme?
SWD has appointed the New Home Association as the agent for OAA and OALA under the GD Scheme, which is responsible for -

• conducting annual case review for OAA and OALA cases under the GD Scheme;
• assisting GD Scheme applicants who are unfit to return to Hong Kong for health reasons to complete their applications;
• reporting changes in personal circumstances of GD Scheme recipients to SWD; and
• handling enquiries on the Scheme from recipients or other individuals/groups in GD.

How will the SWD's agent verify that GD Scheme recipients have resided in GD for 60 days per year?
The agent appointed by SWD will monitor OAA and OALA cases under the GD Scheme and verify the eligibility of recipients by conducting annual postal reviews or spot checks through home visits.

Can existing OAA/OALA recipients who choose to join the GD Scheme choose to withdraw from the Scheme in the future?
Existing OAA/OALA recipients who choose to join the GD Scheme can also choose to withdraw from the Scheme, return to settle in Hong Kong and continue to receive OAA/OALA or to remove to FJ to receive OAA/OALA under the FJ Scheme.

If a recipient wishes to change his/her place of residence on a permanent basis from GD to FJ and to convert to receive allowance under the FJ Scheme, he/she should report to the SSFU(GDS & FJS) or the SWD's Agent and obtain the approval of SWD before changing his/her place of residence.

For recipients who choose to withdraw from the GD Scheme in less than a payment year and return to settle in Hong Kong, can they receive other allowances immediately after returning to Hong Kong or removing to FJ and continue to receive OAA/OALA under the FJ Scheme?
The special one-off arrangement put in place in the first year of implementing the merger of OALA under the GD Scheme during the period of 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 aims to facilitate elderly persons who have already resided in GD to benefit from OAA/OALA under the GD Scheme without having to return to and stay in Hong Kong. To prevent any abuse of this arrangement, an elderly person who receives OAA/OALA under the GD Scheme through the special one-off arrangement but wishes to convert to receiving other allowance under the SSA Scheme in Hong Kong, he/she must –

• have received OAA/OALA under the GD Scheme for not less than one year (a payment break for not more than 10 days is allowed); or
• have resided in Hong Kong continuously for one year immediately before the date of application for other allowance under the SSA Scheme;

Will the premium payment (paid in a lump-sum or by instalments) placed with an annuity scheme and the payout (normally on a monthly basis) under the annuity scheme be counted in the financial test under the GD Scheme?
Please see Note iv of Eligibility Criteria. The payout provided under the annuity scheme will be counted as monthly income under the GD Scheme, while the one-off lump-sum or instalment premium payment placed with the annuity scheme will not be counted as assets. However, if a recipient surrenders or partially surrenders the policy under the annuity scheme, the surrender value (if any) will be regarded as assets.

If an elderly person has participated in an annuity scheme, can he/she apply for OALA under the GD Scheme?
Whether to participate in any annuity scheme is a matter of personal decision of elderly persons. Please refer to Q&A 27 for the treatment of relevant resources for elderly persons who have participated in annuity scheme.

For example, a singleton male elderly person aged 65 receives a pension of $2,500 per month (his only source of income) and has an asset of $600,000 (according to the definition of assets under GD Scheme). If he chooses to place $500,000 with an annuity scheme, he will receive a payout of about $2,900 per month from the annuity scheme (Note). Since his asset level will become $100,000 after participating in the annuity scheme (the one-off lump-sum premium payment of $500,000 placed with the annuity scheme is not counted as assets) and his total monthly income will be about $5,400 (i.e. monthly pension $2,500 + monthly payout of $2,900 under the annuity scheme), he meets the asset and income limits of OALA under the GD Scheme (i.e. asset at $388,000 and monthly income at $10,580 for elderly singleton). Subject to meeting other eligibility criteria (including the residence requirements), he will be eligible for OALA under GD Scheme (currently at $4,060 per month).

Note: The return rate is estimated with reference to the HKMC Annuity Plan of the HKMC Annuity Limited.

For elderly persons who subscribe the HKMC Annuity Plan and the other annuity products operated by private sectors at the same time, how would the payouts and one-off lump-sum or instalment premium payment be counted under OALA under the GD Scheme?
Please refer to Q&A 56. In simple terms, if an elderly person participates in more than one annuity scheme, the payouts under the schemes will be counted as his/her monthly income in an aggregated manner, while the one-off lump-sum or instalment premium payment under the schemes will not be counted as assets.

If the regular payout is not paid on a monthly basis, how would it be calculated as income under the GD Scheme?
If the payout is provided quarterly, half-yearly or yearly, etc., the amount has to be apportioned according to the number of months covered and counted as the monthly income starting from the month following the date of receipt. For instance, if an elderly person receives a payout of $24,000 on a half-yearly basis in June 2022, the amount ($24,000) will be apportioned into six months, i.e. $4,000 per month for the six-month period starting from July 2022. Elderly persons should make honest declaration of their monthly income and asset situation and those of their spouse/cohabiting partner (only applicable to an applicant whose marital status is “Married” or “Cohabiting” (See Note of Q&A 3)). Otherwise, all payments granted on the basis of incorrect declarations will be taken as overpayment and will be duly recovered.

For elderly couples, is it a requirement that both the husband and wife have to participate in the annuity scheme for the one-off lump-sum or instalment premium payment to be excluded from the asset test for the GD Scheme?
If a GD Scheme applicant’s marital status is “Married” or “Cohabiting” (See Note of Q&A 3), he/she should declare his/her income and assets and those of his/her spouse/cohabiting partner even if his/her spouse/cohabiting partner has not yet reached the age of 65. The SWD will assess whether the applicant meets the relevant income and asset requirements based on the “Financial Resource Limits for Married Couples”. Whether the applicant and his/her spouse/cohabiting partner or just one party participate(s) in annuity scheme, the arrangements set out under Q&A 56 will apply.

If an elderly person surrenders the annuity scheme, will his/her eligibility for OALA under the GD Scheme be affected?
If an elderly person surrenders or partially surrenders the annuity scheme, the surrender value (if any) will be treated as assets. Under such circumstances, he/she should immediately report the changes to SWD or SWD’s agent. If the total asset value of the elderly person and his/her spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable) exceeds the prescribed limits, he/she will not be eligible for OALA under the GD Scheme. Elderly persons should make honest declaration of their monthly income and asset situation and those of their spouse/cohabiting partner (if applicable). Otherwise, all payments granted on the basis of incorrect declarations will be taken as overpayment and will be duly recovered.

How can the eligible OALA recipients of the GD Scheme obtain free medical services?
With effect from 1 September 2022, the Normal OALA and the Higher OALA merge as the “OALA”. With effect from that date, OALA recipients aged 75 or above under the GD Scheme are entitled to the waiver of medical charges at public clinics or hospitals (including the Accident & Emergency Department) in Hong Kong. When they visit public hospitals or clinics, they only need to inform the staff of public clinics or hospitals of their eligibility status of OALA and present the identity document which they used to apply for the allowance (e.g. Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption, etc.). The staff of the public clinics or hospitals will confirm their eligibility through the on-line medical waiver eligibility checking system and arrange medical fee waiving for them. The waiver will cover fees and charges of inpatient service, accident and emergency service, specialist outpatient clinic, general outpatient clinic, day hospital, community service, injection and dressing services, and also the standard charge of drugs prescribed during consultation. If the recipient is unable to produce a valid identity document, staff of the hospitals or clinics may not be able to confirm his/her eligibility and the recipient will be required to pay the medical charges by himself/herself and no reimbursement to cover the medical charges paid will be made by SWD. Hence, the recipients should bring along the relevant identity document and show it to the relevant staff upon using public hospital and clinic services as and when necessary.

If the recipient has withdrawn the OALA application or is no longer eligible for OALA, does he/she continue to be eligible for medical fee waiver?
If the recipient has withdrawn the OALA application or is no longer eligible for OALA, he/she is no longer eligible for medical fee waiver.