TNAG-2059-FCO40-2937-Hong-Kong-Overseas-Service-Pensioners--Association-(OSPA)-1990 — Page 40

Annex C

Cash Assistance provided by the Social Welfare Department

that the elderly in Hong Kong can apply for

(A) Public Assistance Scheme

It aims at bringing the income of the individuals/families up to a prescribed level in Hong Kong.

needy

There

3 basic criteria governing eligibility. These are 'level of

income and assets', 'length of residence in Hong Kong' and 'availability for work'. A person who can prove that he has resided

in Hong Kong for at least one year and can prove that his income

and other resources are below the prescribed levels, is eligible

for public assistance. The difference between the applicant's

income (part of which is disregarded) and his total needs according

to the prescribed levels will be the amount of assistance given. Assistance is not payable if the applicant's capital resources

reach the following limits:

savings, investment and valuable possession: $17,340 (Singleton)

real property not occupied by the family :

(i) Basic allowance

$11,550 (per head in

the family); or

$8,670 per head

The current Public Assistance basic rate for a singleton

is $685 per month, and up to $5,010 for a family of ten.

(ii) Old age supplement

This monthly supplement is paid at a rate equal to half

of the assistance rate for а singleton, i.e.

i.e. $343 to public

assistance recipients aged 60 and over to meet special needs arising from old age.

A higher rate of $393 is payable to those aged 70

and above. This supplement is granted to recipients who are neither

receiving a disability supplement nor a Special Needs Allowance.

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