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With effect from October 3, 2005, applicants for Social Security Allowance (SSA) can obtain application forms and Guidance Notes from Social Security Field Units near to their place of residence or download from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) homepage http://www.swd.gov.hk, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department said today (September 28).
The new arrangement aims to enhance the transparency of the SSA Scheme, its accessibility and user-friendliness. The Guidance Notes cover in detail the eligibility criteria, application procedures and other relevant information. Illustrative examples are also given to guide the SSA applicants to complete the application forms more conveniently.
The SSA Scheme includes Normal Disability Allowance, Higher Disability Allowance, Normal Old Age Allowance and Higher Old Age Allowance. The objective of the scheme is to provide a monthly allowance to Hong Kong residents who are severely disabled or who are 65 years of age or above to meet special needs arising from disability or old age.
Except for Normal Old Age Allowance, the allowances paid under the scheme are non-means-tested.
Ends/Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Issued at HKT 10:20
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