*********************************************************
A spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (September 14) reminded elderly persons that the one-off special arrangement in the first year of implementing the Guangdong (GD) Scheme will expire at the end of this month (September 30). Eligible elderly persons are advised to apply as soon as possible.
The spokesman pointed out that in the first year of implementing the GD Scheme (i.e., from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014), a one-off special arrangement is in place to allow elderly persons who do not meet the requirement of residing in Hong Kong continuously for one year immediately before the date of application, but have already moved to GD and satisfied all other eligibility criteria, to benefit from the Scheme without the need to return and stay in Hong Kong. These applicants must have resided in GD for at least one year immediately before the date of application (absence from GD up to a maximum of 56 days during the one-year period is treated as residence in GD), and they have to provide documentary proof of their residential addresses in GD (such as rental receipts and electricity bills) together with their applications.
Upon expiry of the special arrangement after September 30, applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements, including residing in Hong Kong continuously for one year immediately before the date of application, in order to be eligible for the allowance.
The spokesman said that the GD Scheme provides Old Age Allowance for eligible Hong Kong elderly persons aged 65 or above who choose to reside in GD. Currently, the rate of allowance is HK$1,180 per month. As at the end of August this year, more than 17 300 elderly persons were already receiving the allowance.
Elderly persons who wish to apply for the GD Scheme can return the completed application form, together with copies of relevant supporting documents and two recent photos, to the Social Security Field Unit (GD Scheme) by post (address: Room 2110-2111, 21/F, Landmark North, 39 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong).
"In view of the imminent expiry of the special arrangement, elderly persons who wish to make applications are advised to call the GD Scheme enquiry hotline at 3105 3266 for details of the application procedures. For those who wish to submit their applications by post, they should be mindful of the delivery time to ensure that mail can reach the SWD on or before September 30," the spokesman added.
For eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions on the GD Scheme, please visit the GD Scheme website (www.swd.gov.hk/gds).
Ends/Sunday, September 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:02
NNNN