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The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said today (August 23) that Scheme $6,000 registration forms were distributed at banks, post offices and other locations in an orderly manner yesterday (August 22). A spokesman for the Bureau assured the public that there is a sufficient amount of forms for distribution and that there is no need to rush.
The spokesman said people can get the registration forms from over 1,100 branches of the 21 retail banks participating in the Scheme, 126 post offices, public enquiry service centres of district offices, district social welfare offices of the Social Welfare Department, public housing estate offices and the Housing Authority's customer service centre. Members of the public can also download the registration form from the Scheme's website (www.scheme6000.gov.hk) or the banks' websites.
The distribution of registration forms at the above locations, which started yesterday, was smooth. To facilitate collection of the forms by the public, individual banks opened earlier than usual. Other distribution outlets also redeployed resources flexibly to cater for demand from the public.
As at 6pm yesterday, a total of about 2.18 million registration forms had been distributed, including about 1.95 million via banks, about 80,000 via post offices and a total of about 150,000 via other locations.
The registration process is simple and convenient. Whether registering through banks or through Hongkong Post, eligible persons only need to fill in five items on the registration form and sign the form. Those who register through banks only need to provide their name, their Hong Kong permanent identity card number, their local contact telephone number, the name of their bank and the bank account specified for receiving payment. Those who register through Hongkong Post only need to provide their name, their Hong Kong permanent identity card number, their local contact telephone number, their local address and the post office selected for cheque collection. Staff of banks and post offices will assist elderly persons as appropriate to fill in the forms.
The spokesman reminded the public, especially the elderly, that there is no need to queue up for obtaining or submitting the forms in person at banks or post offices. They may ask someone they trust for assistance, or mail the forms 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.
People may visit the website of Scheme $6,000 (www.scheme6000.gov.hk) for more information. For enquiries, please call 186000.
Ends/Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:41
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