Old Age Living Allowance 2026: amount, asset limits and eligibility

OALA 2026 amount and limits

In 2026 the OALA is HK$4,345 per month (from 1 February). Limits: a single person's assets must not exceed about HK$415,000 and monthly income HK$10,900; for a couple, assets about HK$630,000 and monthly income HK$16,680. The OALA is only one of several government benefits for older people; to see how it fits with the rest, read our overview of government retirement income support.

2026 figures; amounts and limits are reviewed and adjusted yearly and are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department. An owner-occupied home is generally excluded from assets.

Eligibility

• Aged 65 or above.
• A Hong Kong resident for at least 7 years, having resided continuously in the year before applying (absences of up to 90 days still count as continuous).
• Assets and income within the limits.
• Not concurrently receiving the Old Age Allowance (‘fruit money’), Disability Allowance or CSSA; if you already receive one of these, first work out which is more favourable for you.

How is the asset test calculated?

The test counts the applicant's (and spouse's) net realisable assets — bank deposits, stocks, funds, insurance cash value, and the net value of non-owner-occupied property or parking spaces, plus cash. An owner-occupied home and not-yet-withdrawable MPF benefits are generally excluded. Income counts monthly receipts such as rent, investment dividends and pensions. For which items may be exempt and how to estimate a property's net value, see the OALA asset-test exemptions.

• Counted: cash, deposits, stocks, funds, insurance cash value, net value of non-owner-occupied property/parking.
• Generally not counted: your owner-occupied home and everyday personal belongings.
• A couple is assessed jointly and must meet both the asset and income limits.

The definition and calculation of assets and income are per the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

Can I transfer assets to my children to qualify?

Deliberately transferring assets to qualify is not advisable. The SWD reviews asset deprivation (giving away assets): if you gift or transfer assets below market value before applying, those amounts may still be counted as yours for a period. Rather than looking for loopholes, first find out honestly whether you qualify — running a quick OALA eligibility self-check can show roughly where your assets and income sit.

The treatment and look-back period for asset deprivation are per the Social Welfare Department; cases vary widely, so check with the SWD first.

At 70: OALA or ‘fruit money’?

From age 70 you choose one: the OALA (higher monthly, means-tested) or the Old Age Allowance (‘fruit money’) (lower monthly, no asset test). If your assets and income are within the limits, the higher OALA is usually more favourable; if your assets exceed the limit, consider the test-free fruit money. You cannot receive both.

In 2026 the OALA is HK$4,345/month and fruit money HK$1,675/month; amounts are subject to the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

What if assets exceed the limit?

If assets are only slightly above the limit, some consider legitimately using their assets (for example, turning a lump sum into monthly income via the public annuity) to qualify — but this is a trade-off between finances and eligibility, is not right for everyone, and an annuity or insurance arrangement can itself affect how assets or income are counted (see how annuities and insurance affect OALA eligibility). Understand the rules and seek advice first; never make a decision that doesn't fit your own needs just to qualify.

General education only, not personalised advice; eligibility and calculations are per the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.

How do I apply for the OALA?

The process itself is not complicated — the key is to confirm eligibility, gather your supporting documents, and then submit to the Social Welfare Department. If you are applying on behalf of an elderly parent, you can fold the OALA into the wider picture of planning your parents' retirement, reviewing healthcare and cash-flow needs at the same time.

1. 1. Confirm eligibility and gather documentsCheck age, years of residence and whether assets/income are within the limits, and prepare proof of identity, bank account, and evidence of assets and income.
2. 2. Submit the applicationLodge the application form at a Social Security Field Unit of the Social Welfare Department, or with help from an elderly-service unit; a couple applies together.
3. 3. Wait for assessment and notificationAfter verifying assets and income, the SWD notifies you of the outcome; once approved, the allowance is generally paid monthly by autopay.

Application channels, required documents and processing times are per the latest announcement of the Social Welfare Department.