Disability Allowance 2026: rates, eligibility and how to apply

What is Disability Allowance, and how much is it?

Disability Allowance is a monthly benefit paid by the Social Welfare Department under the Social Security Allowance Scheme to help with the extra costs arising from a severe disability. In 2026 the Normal Disability Allowance is HK$2,140 per month and the Higher Disability Allowance is HK$4,280 per month (both from 1 February). Unlike allowances for older people, it has no asset or income test and is granted by severity of disability. For the wider picture of public support in retirement and later life, see our overview of government retirement income support.

2026 figures (from 1 February); amounts are reviewed and adjusted yearly and are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

What is the difference between the normal and higher rate?

Both rates are approved by severity of disability; the difference is the need for care. The Normal Disability Allowance goes to those assessed as having an eligible severe disability; the Higher Disability Allowance goes to those who also require constant attendance from others and are not receiving such attendance in a government or subvented institution. In other words, the higher rate is not a 'more severe' grade — it reflects an extra need for day-to-day care.

• Normal Disability Allowance: assessed by a designated doctor as having an eligible severe disability.
• Higher Disability Allowance: on top of an eligible severe disability, must be certified as needing constant attendance and not receiving such attendance in a government-subvented institution or hospital.
• If you are caring for an older or disabled person who receives the allowance, see resources and allowances for carers for other support you can apply for.

The definitions and assessment criteria for 'severe disability' and 'needing constant attendance' are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

Who is eligible for Disability Allowance?

Disability Allowance is not limited to older people — an eligible Hong Kong resident of any age can claim it once a designated doctor (generally a public hospital or Department of Health doctor) assesses them as having an eligible severe disability, and provided they meet the residence requirement. Because there is no asset or income test, having some savings or income does not affect a claim for the normal or higher rate.

• Must be a Hong Kong resident who meets the residence requirement.
• Assessed by a designated doctor as having a severe disability recognised by the SWD (for example, severe visual, hearing, physical or other impairment).
• For the higher rate, must additionally be certified as needing constant attendance and not receiving such attendance in a subvented institution.
• No asset or income limit — quite different from the tests used for allowances for older people.

Residence requirements, recognised disability categories and doctor-assessment arrangements are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; the degree of disability is determined by a designated doctor, not self-declared.

How does it differ from OALA, fruit money and CSSA?

The core difference is the basis of approval: Disability Allowance is granted by 'severity of disability' with no asset or income test, whereas the Old Age Living Allowance and the Old Age Allowance (‘fruit money’) are paid by age (with OALA also means-tested), and CSSA is an income-and-asset test based on household need. So Disability Allowance helps with disability-related costs, rather than being simple old-age or low-income support.

The amounts, tests and eligibility of each benefit are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; this table is a conceptual comparison only.

Can you receive Disability Allowance alongside other benefits?

You cannot receive more than one allowance under the Social Security Allowance Scheme at the same time. That means Disability Allowance cannot be drawn together with the Old Age Allowance (‘fruit money’) or the Old Age Living Allowance, nor together with CSSA — an older person must choose one based on their overall situation. If a parent turns 65 and qualifies for several benefits at once, first compare which is more favourable before claiming.

• Disability Allowance, fruit money and OALA are all under the Social Security Allowance Scheme — you may claim only one.
• While on CSSA you generally cannot also draw Disability Allowance; CSSA itself provides separate disability-related standard rates and supplements.
• When weighing up the options, consider them alongside planning your parents' healthcare so care and cash-flow needs are looked at together for the long term.

Whether benefits can be held together, and the disability supplements available under CSSA, are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department; cases vary widely, so check with the SWD first.

How do I apply for Disability Allowance?

The key steps are arranging a designated doctor's disability assessment, gathering supporting documents, and submitting to the Social Welfare Department. If you are applying on behalf of an elderly or disabled family member, fold it into the wider care plan, reviewing healthcare, residential-care and cash-flow needs together.

1. 1. Obtain and complete the application formGet the Disability Allowance application form from a Social Security Field Unit of the Social Welfare Department, or with help from a medical social worker or an elderly/rehabilitation service unit; for the higher rate, indicate the need for constant attendance.
2. 2. Arrange the designated doctor's assessmentThe degree of disability must be assessed by a designated doctor (generally a public hospital or Department of Health doctor) who completes a medical certificate; the SWD decides eligibility and whether the normal or higher rate applies.
3. 3. Submit and wait for assessmentLodge the form with proof of identity and the medical certificate at the SWD; once approved, the allowance is generally paid monthly by autopay, with no annual re-test of assets or income.

Application channels, required documents, designated-doctor assessment arrangements and processing times are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.