Old Age Living Allowance 2026: amount, asset limits and eligibility
The Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) is a monthly allowance the government pays to eligible residents aged 65 or above who pass an asset and income test. In 2026 it is HK$4,345 per month; whether you qualify depends mainly on age, years of residence and whether your assets and income are within the limits.
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$406,000 and monthly income HK$10,770; for a couple, assets about HK$616,000 and monthly income HK$16,440.
| Item | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly allowance | HK$4,345 | HK$4,345 each |
| Asset limit | ~HK$406,000 | ~HK$616,000 |
| Monthly income limit | HK$10,770 | HK$16,440 |
2026 figures; amounts and limits are reviewed and adjusted yearly and are subject to 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.
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.
- 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 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.
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 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 and is not right for everyone. 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 Social Welfare Department.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How much is the OALA per month in 2026?
HK$4,345 per month in 2026, effective 1 February. The amount is reviewed yearly and is subject to the Social Welfare Department.
What are the OALA asset limits?
In 2026 the asset limit is about HK$406,000 for a single person and HK$616,000 for a couple; the monthly income limit is HK$10,770 (single) and HK$16,440 (couple). An owner-occupied home is generally excluded from assets.
How is the asset test calculated — is my home counted?
The test counts net realisable assets (deposits, stocks, funds, net value of non-owner-occupied property/parking, etc.); an owner-occupied home is generally excluded. Income counts monthly receipts such as rent and dividends. Definitions are per the Social Welfare Department.
Can I transfer assets to my children early and still get OALA?
Not advisable. The SWD reviews asset deprivation (gifting assets); assets given away or transferred below market value before applying may still be counted for a period. Find out your eligibility honestly and check with the SWD.
At 70, should I take the OALA or fruit money?
Choose one: if assets/income are within the limits, the OALA (HK$4,345/month in 2026) is usually more favourable; if assets exceed the limit, consider the test-free fruit money (HK$1,675/month). You cannot receive both.
Can I receive OALA and ‘fruit money’ at the same time?
No. The OALA, Old Age Allowance (‘fruit money’), Disability Allowance and CSSA cannot be received at the same time — you may claim only one.
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