What are the eligibility criteria for Old Age Living Allowance? What is the amount of assistance payable?

Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) under the Social Security Allowance Scheme provided by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) is designed to provide a monthly allowance to supplement the living expenses of Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above who need financial support and have income and assets not exceeding the prescribed limits. 

The monthly payment rate of OALA (with effect from 1 February 2024) is $4,195.  

Old Age Allowance (OAA) is designed to provide a monthly allowance on a non-means-tested basis to Hong Kong residents aged 70 or above.  Please note a recipient will not be granted OALA and OAA at the same time.  For details on OAA,  please click here.

A person is eligible for the OALA if he/she:

1. is aged 65 or above; 
2. meets the following residence requirements:
   1. has been a Hong Kong resident for at least 7 years; and
   2. has resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least 1 year immediately before the date of application (absence from Hong Kong up to a maximum of 90 days during the one-year period is treated as residence in Hong Kong). 

• Note:
  • Persons whose presence in Hong Kong is unlawful or persons who are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for a purpose other than residence (for example, imported workers or visitors) are excluded from the Scheme.
  • In considering the residence requirement in (b) above, consideration can be given to disregarding absences arising from paid work or receiving medical treatment outside Hong Kong for more than 90 days during the one-year period, subject to there being sufficient documentary proof (and reason).

3. continues to reside in Hong Kong during receipt of OALA (Please click here for information on the permissible limit of absence from Hong Kong  during receipt of allowance);
4. is not receiving other allowances under the Social Security Allowance Scheme or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme ; 
5. is not being detained in legal custody or admitted to a penal institution; and
6. is having income and assets not exceeding the prescribed limits: 

(For details about income and assets limits, please refer to the section "Eligibility criteria" on the Old Age Living Allowance website.)    

Applicants could visit the GovHK Website – Eligibility Check – Application for Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme to have a preliminary check on their eligibility.

More Information:

• Please click here for the application procedures and payment arrangement for OALA.
• Social Security Allowance Scheme Application Form  (Sep 2023 version) (PDF)
• Application for Social Security Allowance Guidance Notes (Feb 2024 version) (PDF)

     Application form and Guidance Notes can be downloaded from SWD’s website or obtained from any Social Security Field Units.

• Pamphlet on Social Security Allowance Scheme (Sep 2023 version) (PDF)

For other enquiries:

• Please visit the SWD’s Old Age Living Allowance website; or
• Call the OALA Enquiry Line at 3595 0130; or
• Visit your nearest Social Security Field Unit.