Old Age Living Allowance eligibility and asset limits

Check both limits

From 1 February 2026 the monthly allowance is HK$4,345. Both income and assets must be at or below the applicable limits.

Single limits cover unmarried, separated, divorced and widowed applicants. Married applicants generally declare both partners’ finances even if only one applies. The couple limits also apply to cohabiting partners who live together, share resources and whose applicant agrees to provide the partner’s details.

How does unspent family support affect the figures?

Suppose Ms Chan is single, has HK$414,500 in assets and receives a monthly pension of HK$8,000. Her daughter gives her HK$2,000. She spends HK$1,200 and saves HK$800. With everything else unchanged, her assessable monthly income stays at HK$8,000 and her assets reach HK$415,300, exceeding the single limit by HK$300.

If she spends the entire HK$2,000 on living expenses, her assets in this example remain HK$414,500. Use actual cash and bank balances so that money already included in a balance is counted once.

Which property and overseas assets count?

One residential property serving as the principal home in Hong Kong and a parking space for personal use can be exempt. Declare interests in other properties and parking spaces, including those outside Hong Kong. Net rental income counts as income. Include overseas savings, investments and your share of jointly held assets.

Before applying

• Applicants must be at least 65. Generally, they must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least seven years and have lived in Hong Kong continuously for the year before applying. Absences of up to 90 days in that year are allowed.
• Old Age Allowance, Disability Allowance and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance cannot be received concurrently with this allowance. Check SWD’s guidance on immigration status and residence during payment.
• Prepare your identity card, travel documents, proof of bank account and your spouse’s or cohabiting partner’s identification where applicable. Contact the Social Security Field Unit serving your home address.

Sources and method

Based on Social Welfare Department limits effective 1 February 2026, checked on 11 November 2026. Amounts change when SWD revises them. The examples compare financial thresholds only. SWD assesses eligibility.