Extra allowance to be disbursed

May 31, 2023

Eligible recipients of social security payments and Working Family Allowance (WFA) will receive a one-off extra allowance starting today, the Government announced.

 

It explained that the extra allowance was proposed in the 2023-24 Budget.

 

The amount of the allowance is equal to one half of the monthly standard rate of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance payments, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance or Disability Allowance. Similar arrangements will apply to recipients of WFA.

 

Recipients who were eligible for social security payments on May 3, when the Legislative Council approved the Appropriation Bill 2023, and those whose WFA applications were made from November 1, 2022 to May 3 and eventually approved are eligible for the one-off extra allowance.

 

It is estimated that about 1.63 million social security recipients and about 70,000 WFA households will benefit from the arrangements, involving a total of over $2.8 billion in extra allowance.

 

The payment will be credited to the designated Hong Kong bank accounts of the eligible recipients or households and no separate application is necessary.

 

For enquiries, recipients of social security payments may call 2343 2255.

 

For enquiries on the WFA Scheme, call 2558 3000.

Back to top