Applications for one-off compassionate financial assistance for people affected by December's tsunami will close April 15, the Home Affairs Department says.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a Hong Kong permanent resident or a non-permanent resident with an unexpired limit of stay, and their dead or missing family member has to meet similar residency requirements.

Information briefs detailing the application procedures and application forms are available at any District Office Public Enquiry Service Centre and can be downloaded from the department's website.

Enquiries can be made on 2835 2500. A committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and comprising non-official members and Government representatives, has been set up to manage the fund.

The committee will consider each case and decide on the grant amount taking into account the merits and circumstances of individual applications and the financial position of the fund, which was set up with donations raised in a government co-ordinated fund-raising event.