Welfare allowances to rise

January 26, 2012

The standard payment rates under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and the rates of Old Age Allowance and Disability Allowance will increase 5.2% from February 1.
 
The Social Welfare Department said today the adjustments have been made in line with the movement of the Social Security Assistance Index of Prices.
 
An additional expenditure of $12.46 billion per year will be incurred for the adjustment, benefiting 1.1 million recipients.
 
The maximum rent allowance under the scheme will also be adjusted upwards according to the movement of the Consumer Price Index A rent index for private housing by 5.7% on the same day.
 
Recipients can contact their social security field units for enquiries or call 2343 2255.