Government Assistance
The HKSAR government recognizes the importance of supporting elderly population and has implemented various programs and services in the following areas:
Medical
Health Care Voucher
Above 65 years old elderly people can pay the
consultation, treatment and medicine fee by healthcare voucher for the
following services:
Medical practitioners
Chinese medicine practitioners
Dentists
Chiropractors
Registered nurses and enrolled nurses
Physiotherapists
Occupational therapists
Radiographers
Medical laboratory technologists
Optometrists
Preventive care, curative, or rehabilitative services
Accident & Emergency (A&E) services provided by private hospitals if the A&E services belong to out-patient services
At present, the annual voucher amount for each eligible elderly person is $2,000 while the accumulation limit of vouchers is $8,000. Elderly persons are provided with their annual amount of vouchers that will be automatically deposited in their voucher account on 1 January from the year in which they become eligible under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme.
For further information, please refer here.
Note: To avoiding double subsidizing, the vouchers cannot be used for public services or those directly subsidized by the Government.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Since colorectal cancer is the second commonest cancer in Hong Kong, HKSAR government subsidizes asymptomatic Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 75 to receive screening services in the private sector to prevent colorectal cancer. Participants will first undergo a fecal occult blood test to detect trace amounts of blood that are invisible to the naked eye. If there is, we will arrange to undergo colonoscopy and remove possible large bowel polyps to prevent them from developing into cancer.
Transport
Application for JoyYou Card opens for eligible persons aged 60
JoyYou Card holders can travel on designated public transport modes and services at a concessionary fare of $2 per trip. For details on the transport benefited, please visit here.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be Hong Kong Smart Identity Card holders who are aged 60 or above, or will reach the age of 60 within 3 months from the date of application.
Apply through this link.
Allowance
HKSAR government recognizes the need of supporting the elderly population given the high cost of living in Hong Kong and several allowance schemes have been launched.
(a) Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSA)
CSSA provides income assistance to those whose economic income is insufficient to meet their basic needs, so as to ensure their standard of living. When applying for CSSA, the assets and income of the applicant and his/her family members must be lower than the limit of the CSSA scheme in order to pass the assets test and income test. If applicants need continuous care or nursing home funding, they need to meet the specified health conditions before they can pass the physical assessment and be graded according to the approval results.
Funding:
The amount of CSSA subsidy and nursing home CSSA ranges from $4,060 to $11,070 per month, and additional special allowances are provided according to the needs of CSSA elders.
A person can make an application directly to a social security field unit near to his/her place of residence.
(b) Old Age Allowance
Old age allowance provides cash allowances to eligible elderly persons to meet their special needs arising from old age, regardless their capital on hand. Amount of assistance payable per month of Old Age Allowance is HK$1,570 (from 1 February 2023 onwards).
Eligibility:
You must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least seven years;
You must be at least 70 years old;
You must have continuously resided in Hong Kong for at least one year before the date of application (means not having resided outside Hong Kong for more than 56 days during that one-year period);
You must continue to reside in Hong Kong during receipt of Old Age Allowance; and
You are not receiving any other allowances under the Social Security Allowance Scheme or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA).
How to apply?
- Apply to a social security field unit or ask a friend/relative to do so for you. This may be done in person, or by phone, fax, email or post;
- Refer to the Social Welfare Department by another government department or non-governmental organization;
- Complete the 'Social Security Allowance Scheme
Application Form' to a social security field unit.
For further information and application form, please
check here.
(c) Old Age Living Allowance
Old age living allowance scheme was launched by Social Welfare department to help the needy if the applicant’s income and assets do not exceed certain limit (click here to check the limit).
The range of subsidy starts from $4,060 (start from 1 February 2023).
Eligibility:
The applicant must be 65 or older;
The applicant 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);
The applicant must not be receiving Old Age Allowance (OAA) or Disability Allowance (DA) under the Social Security Allowance Scheme or assistance under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme;
The applicant must continue to reside in Hong Kong during receipt of OALA.
(d) Senior Citizen Card Scheme
For more information or how to apply, please refer here.
Community services
District elderly community center
It is good for elderly people to join the elderly community center as it provides many services and facilities that would be beneficial to the physical and mental aspects of the elderly people. Services include community education, case management, support teams for the elderly, health education, developmental activities, career support services, social and recreational activities, canteen and meal services as well as drop-in and consultation services.
HKSAR government has set up community centers among different districts of Hong Kong and you may find a suitable and convenient center location.
Community Recreation & Sports Program
Keeping mentally and physical active is crucial in keeping a healthy lifestyle for elderly people. The government has many facitilies and services at affordable cost. For instance, you may rent a table tennis court to play with your friends, or join the swimming course for elderly people to strengthen your body. Please click this link to find something you are interested in. Enjoy!
