What Changed
- Monthly allowance for low-income carers increased by 10 per cent to $3,300 (up to $6,600 for multiple care recipients) following the 2026 Policy Address.
- Annual expenditure on carer allowance schemes reached $396 million in FY2025–26, supporting 7,094 elderly carers and 3,983 disability carers.
- The Carer Support Data Platform and District Care Teams reached over 36,300 high-risk households and made over 4,200 welfare referrals by late September 2026.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has released statistics and administrative details regarding financial assistance and support services for low-income carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities. In a written reply to Legislative Council member Hon Elaine Chik on October 14, 2026, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, outlined the operation of the Scheme on Living Allowance for Carers of Elderly Persons from Low-income Families and the Scheme on Living Allowance for Low-income Carers of Persons with Disabilities.
Following enhancements announced in the 2026 Policy Address, the monthly allowance for both regularised schemes was increased by 10 per cent to $3,300 per month. An eligible carer taking care of more than one elderly person or person with disabilities may receive up to $6,600 per month. Annual public expenditure on the two schemes increased from $110 million in the 2023–24 financial year to $321 million in 2024–25, reaching $396 million in 2025–26. Beneficiary figures for FY2025–26 reached 7,094 under the elderly carer scheme and 3,983 under the disability carer scheme.
The Government clarified that it does not maintain statistics on the total number of unpaid carers in Hong Kong SAR. Addressing questions on eligibility exclusions, the response affirmed that recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) or Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) cannot concurrently receive carer allowances to prevent duplication of public resources. Furthermore, Disability Allowance (DA) recipients are ineligible because applicants must be capable of fulfilling caregiving responsibilities.
To identify high-risk families proactively, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Social Welfare Department established the Carer Support Data Platform in July 2025. By the end of September 2026, District Services and Community Care Teams had contacted over 36,300 high-risk households and made more than 4,200 welfare service referrals under Scheme I. Concurrently, the Designated Hotline for Carer Support (182 183) handled over 10,500 carer cases under Scheme II, confirming five emergency cases requiring immediate respite, meal, or escort services.
Who May Be Affected
Low-income carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, social welfare organizations, and public housing/health authorities in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
None; applies strictly within Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Implementation timetable and effective application date for the 10 per cent allowance increase announced in the 2026 Policy Address.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.