Second phase application for Higher Old Age Living Allowance - postal submission starts
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The first batch of yellow notification letters will be issued to (i) recipients of Normal OALA not included in the first phase - auto-conversion; and (ii) recipients of Higher Disability Allowance (DA) aged 65 or above. The second batch of yellow notification letters will be issued to (i) recipients of Old Age Allowance (OAA); and (ii) recipients of Normal DA aged 65 or above.
Having received the yellow notification letters, elderly persons who opt to apply for the Higher OALA and meet the income and asset limits are required to fill in the postal submission application form attached to the notification letter and return it by post to the Social Welfare Department, PO Box 2200, Kowloon East Post Office on or before December 31 this year. Elderly persons need not approach the SWD's social security field units in person to submit application. Upon receipt of the application forms, the SWD will verify their eligibility as soon as possible.
Elderly persons must meet all the eligibility criteria for the Higher OALA, including age requirement, residence requirements and income and asset requirements in order to be eligible for a lump-sum payment (after deducting the payment of allowance already made during the corresponding period) counting from May 1, 2017 or the date of eligibility, whichever is later. The relevant requirements and arrangements for application are set out in the Annex. After eligibility is verified, payment will be credited into elderly persons' designated bank accounts currently used for receiving Normal OALA/OAA/DA.
An SWD spokesman said that the third phase - New Application for Higher OALA will commence on June 1 to accept applications from elderly persons aged 65 or above not currently receiving social security payments (including Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and allowances under the Social Security Allowance Scheme) but who are in need of financial support. Eligible applicants will also receive a lump-sum payment dating back to May 1, 2017 or the date of eligibility, whichever is later, as long as they submit application on or before December 31 this year.
The spokesman reminded elderly persons to apply for the Higher OALA as scheduled and there is no need to queue up at the social security field units.
For details about the Higher OALA, please visit the SWD's website www.swd.gov.hk/oala or call the enquiry line on 3595 0130 during office hours (Monday to Friday at 8.45am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm).
Ends/Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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