Community and residential care vouchers: eligibility, co-payment and how to apply

What are the CCSV and RCSV, where the money follows the user?

Both vouchers attach the subsidy to the older person rather than to a fixed placement: the user holds the voucher and buys services from recognised units that take part in the scheme, instead of being assigned a fixed government quota. The Community Care Service Voucher (CCSV) is for home and day community care — such as home-based nursing, rehabilitation training or a day centre; the Residential Care Service Voucher (RCSV) is for a place in a recognised care-and-attention home or nursing home. If you are arranging care for a parent, first understand the overall picture of long-term care options for older people before deciding between community care and residential care.

• CCSV: supports ageing at home — home-visit or day-centre nursing, rehabilitation and personal care.
• RCSV: subsidises a place in a recognised care-and-attention home or nursing home.
• Shared feature: the subsidy follows the user, who can freely choose among recognised service units.

Scheme details, the list of recognised service units and the scope of services are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

How is the CCSV co-payment calculated?

The CCSV co-payment works on a 'those who can afford more, pay more' basis, split into six levels by household income: 5%, 8%, 12%, 16%, 25% and 40%; the lower the user's share, the more of the balance the government bears. An older person who agrees to pay at the highest level (40%) does not have to declare household income. The government funds the remainder.

Co-payment levels, shares and the income-declaration arrangement are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; those who can afford more pay more, and the government bears the balance.

How much are the RCSV voucher values?

From 1 April 2026, the RCSV place values are: HK$17,015 per month for a care-and-attention home place, and HK$21,982 per month for a nursing home place. The value is the government's funding ceiling for the corresponding place; the user tops up the difference between the home's actual fee and their ability to pay.

These values take effect from 1 April 2026 and are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; a home's actual fee may differ from the voucher value, and the user tops up the difference.

Voucher place versus self-funded care home: how to choose?

The RCSV subsidises a place in a recognised care-and-attention or nursing home, with the voucher value offsetting part of the fee and the user topping up the difference; a self-funded (private) home is paid in full but usually offers more choice and locations and a shorter wait. The two are not mutually exclusive: many families first assess the parent's care level and budget, then compare the actual monthly cost of a subsidised place against a self-funded one. For fee structures, deposits and hidden costs when choosing a home, see how to choose a care home and understand the real cost.

• Voucher place: offsets part of a recognised home's fee, with the balance topped up by ability to pay; requires eligibility and a standardised assessment.
• Self-funded home: paid in full, with more flexibility in choice and location and generally a shorter wait.
• Ageing at home: if the parent can still live at home, the CCSV or hiring a domestic helper for elderly care may better match their wishes.

General education only, not personalised advice; eligibility, voucher values and fees are subject to the latest announcements of the Social Welfare Department and individual homes.

How do I apply for the CCSV or RCSV?

Both vouchers first require the Social Welfare Department's Standardised Care Need Assessment to assess the older person's care needs; once eligible, the corresponding voucher is allocated. If you are applying on behalf of a parent, you can fold the voucher into the wider plan for your parents' healthcare and care, reviewing medical needs, cash flow and carer support at the same time.

1. 1. Apply and undergo the standardised assessmentApply through an elderly-service unit or the Social Welfare Department; an assessor uses the standardised mechanism to assess the older person's care needs and whether community care or residential care is more suitable.
2. 2. Confirm eligibility and receive the voucherOnce assessed as eligible, the older person is allocated a CCSV or RCSV; CCSV users confirm their co-payment level (or agree to pay at the highest level and so need not declare income).
3. 3. Buy services and top up the differenceThe user takes the voucher to a participating recognised service unit or home; the government pays up to the voucher value or funding share, and the user tops up the co-payment or the difference in the home's fee.

The assessment mechanism, waiting times and application channels are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; waiting time depends on service supply.

Beyond the voucher, what else needs planning?

A voucher eases the cost of care but may not cover everything — the user may still need to top up the difference, and the family must set aside the time and energy that care demands. So beyond applying for a voucher, review the parent's medical protection and cash flow early, and look after the wellbeing of the main carer too — see carer support and respite services so no one carries it alone. Comparing the voucher, home care and residential options together is what lets you arrange the most suitable, sustainable care for your parent.

General education only, not personalised financial or care advice; the eligibility and amounts of each subsidy are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.