TNAG-0788-FCO40-992-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 86

1. Can I get a supplementary

pension?

Yes, if:

you are over pension age-65 for a man, 60 for a woman; and

you do not have enough money to meet your needs.

You cannot get a supplementary pension if:

you are working full-time; or

you are a married woman living with your husband.

2. How is my supplementary pension worked

out?

Supplementary pension is paid on top of any other money you may have so that you can meet your weekly needs. It includes something for rent and rates, or mortgage interest and rates if you are buying your house. To work it out:

First add up the money you get each week (see paragraphs 7 and 8).

Then add together your weekly needs:

the fixed amount that applies to you (see paragraph 3)

the weekly amount of your "rent" (see paragraphs 4 and 5)

• any special expenses (see paragraph 6).

If the money you already get is less than your weekly needs then you should get a supplementary pension.

3. But how do they know what I need?

Fixed amounts of money are set to cover your daily living expenses; they include food, heat and light, clothing, footwear and small household items. They do not include rent--what you pay in rent is added on-nor do they cover major items of bedding etc.

If you or your wife are over 80 the higher amounts in the second column apply.

For a married couple

Under 80

Over 80

£28.35

£28.60

For a single person paying rent or an

owner-occupier

£17.90

£18.15

For people who do not pay rent but live in someone else's household:

married couples

£29.80

single persons

£15.80

£30.05

£16.05

There are higher amounts for blind people and additional amounts for any dependent children living with you. The local office will tell you these if you

want to know.

If you are a boarder you will usually get the amount you pay for board and lodging plus an allowance for personal expenses of £5.25 (£8.95 for married couples) instead.

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