In mid-December 2022, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council passed a bill to increase the rates of CSSA and Social Security Allowance (SSA) (e.g. Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), Old Age Allowance (OAA), and Disability Allowance (DA)) by 3.7% with effect from February 1 next year. For example, the current rate of Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) is $3,915, which will be increased to $4,060 after February 1 next year.

The other adjustment is the Government's requirement on absence from Hong Kong for SSA applicants. In the past, applicants were required to have resided in Hong Kong continuously for one year, during which they could be absent from Hong Kong for a maximum of 56 days. The FC approved the relaxation of the permissible limit of absence from Hong Kong after February 1, 2023 to 90 days. It is believed that the measure will benefit more Mainland residents.

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_{For discussion by the Finance Committee}

_{Related information:}

_{Elderly Community Centers}

_{Elderly Living Allowance (ELA) 2022 combined monthly payment of nearly $4000!}

_{‍ Guide to applying for Old Age Allowance (fruit grant)}

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_{Photo-AC (Schematic)}