Announcing that the $6,000 handout scheme will commence on August 28, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Prof KC Chan emphasises the registration process will be simple and convenient, with no need for people to queue up to submit forms in person.
Meanwhile, the Housing Authority said the payment given under the scheme will not be counted as income in vetting public rental housing applications.
Speaking at a press conference today, Prof Chan said people, especially the elderly, may ask people they trust to submit the form for them, or send it by post. He also reminded the public to safeguard their personal data.
People aged 18 or above who hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card on August 28 may register for the $6,000 through banks or Hongkong Post in batches according to their year of birth.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria on August 28 but who choose to receive the sum later may register from April 1 to December 31, 2012 to receive $6,000 plus a $200 bonus.
Those who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria on August 28 but who will do so on March 31, 2012 may register for $6,000 on or after April 1, 2012. Registration for the scheme will close on December 31, 2012.
Noting the scheme will involve more than 6 million eligible people, Prof Chan said a batching arrangement is being adopted in the first 10 weeks.
Five batches
Eligible people may register in five batches during this period according to their year of birth. The first batch will cater for people born in 1946 or before.
To facilitate registration, forms will be made available from August 22.
People who register through banks can get the forms from bank branches, and those registering through Hongkong Post can get them from post offices.
Forms will also be available from locations including district office public enquiry service centres, the Social Welfare Department’s district social welfare offices, and public housing estate offices. The form can also be downloaded from the Scheme $6,000
website.
People who have bank accounts in their name only may submit duly completed forms through drop boxes placed at any branch of the bank selected. Forms may also be submitted by mail or through e-banking. If found eligible, the money will be deposited to a person's specified account.
Those who do not have bank accounts may register through Hongkong Post. If found eligible, they will be notified by post to collect a cheque at the post office selected. The cheque can be encashed at any local branch of Standard Chartered Bank.
“I would like to remind members of the public, especially the elderly, that whichever way you register, there is no need to queue up for submitting the forms in person,” Prof Chan said.
“You may ask someone you trust to submit the form for you, or mail it to Hong Kong General Post Office Box No 186000. The registration period will last till the end of next year, allowing ample time for registration. There is no need to rush.”
He pointed out the scheme will launch on Sunday, August 28 to cater for people aged 65 or above, who will register in the first batch. On that day, more than 1,100 branches of 21 retail banks and 126 post offices will open from 9am to 5pm solely for handling the scheme's registration.
“As August is in the typhoon season, we will make appropriate arrangements on August 28 taking into account the weather conditions on that day,” he said, adding the detailed arrangements will be similar to the normal practices of banks and post offices under inclement weather.
The Government will launch publicity activities to enhance public understanding of the scheme’s registration process and timetable. He reminded people to guard against scams for obtaining personal data or money by deceit in the guise of the scheme. For enquiries, call 186 000.
