Government Subsidy Application Guide: How to Fill in the Forms for Old Age Living Allowance, Disability Allowance, and Carer's Allowance?

Faced with complex government subsidy application forms, many elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and carers often find themselves at a loss. In fact, once you understand the eligibility criteria and form‑filling tips for each social welfare allowance, applying for the Old Age Living Allowance, Disability Allowance, and Carer's Allowance is not as difficult as you might think.

Old Age Living Allowance (OALA)

This allowance is designed for elderly individuals aged 65 or above who have financial need. The monthly payment amount is $4,345**. Applicants must be aged 65 or above, have been Hong Kong residents for at least seven years, and have resided continuously in Hong Kong for at least one year immediately before application. They must also pass an income and assets test. For a single person, the monthly total income limit is $10,900 and total assets must not exceed $415,000; for couples, the respective limits are **$16,680 and $630,000.

Form‑filling tip: Applicants whose marital status is "married" or "cohabiting" must also provide the personal and financial details of their spouse/cohabitee. The application form should be completed in block letters using a black or blue ball‑point pen. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a line, sign beside the correction, and never use correction fluid.

Disability Allowance

This allowance does not require a means test. It aims to help people with severe disabilities meet the additional needs arising from their disability. The monthly rates from 1 February 2026 are $2,140** for the Normal Disability Allowance and **$4,280 for the Higher Disability Allowance. Eligible recipients aged 12 to 64 also receive an additional $345 per month as a transport supplement. Applicants must be certified by a doctor from the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority as having a severe disability that will last for at least six months.

Form‑filling tip: When submitting the application form, you should attach supporting documents such as hospitalisation records or follow‑up appointment slips to facilitate the medical assessment. The medical assessment form is the decisive document for approval, and the doctor will complete it based on the actual extent of functional impairment.

Carer's Allowance

This allowance has been regularised and is divided into the "Elderly Carer's Allowance" and the "Carer's Allowance for Persons with Disabilities". Applicants must come from low‑income families and provide at least 80 hours of care services per month. The monthly income limit is $18,000** for a one‑person household and $24,225 for a two‑person household. The monthly allowance is $3,000, and those caring for more than one eligible person may receive up to **$6,000. Applicants cannot concurrently receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), the Old Age Living Allowance, or the Disability Allowance.

Form‑filling tip: Applications are initiated by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) through invitation letters sent to elderly persons on the waiting list for long‑term care services; carers cannot apply proactively. A "Care Hours Record" must be submitted monthly to the recognised service unit. It is advisable to keep a "Care Log" to record daily support activities and time spent.

All application forms can be downloaded from the SWD website or obtained from district Social Security Field Offices. When submitting, you must include copies of your identity card, bank account proof, travel documents, and other supporting documents. Make good use of these community resources to ensure that eligible family members receive the financial assistance they are entitled to.