Elderly Hongkongers in mainland China struggle to claim HK$6,000; “N-have-nots” lack accounts and addresses — unions urge flexibility

The HK$6,000 handout opens for applications from Hongkongers aged 65 or above starting Sunday (28th), but many elderly residents living on the mainland have no local bank account and cannot return to collect cheques — leaving them stranded.

What difficulties do mainland-based elderly face?

Some are “N-have-nots” — no smart ID, no Hong Kong bank account, no local address, no relatives in Hong Kong — with no idea how to claim. Unions have received over 430 pleas from mainland-based elderly Hongkongers aged 60 to 102. Chan, 91, worked in Hong Kong for decades before retiring to Shenzhen in 1996, and fears his lack of a Hong Kong bank account and address will block his claim.

What blocks authorised collection by others?

The government requires a certificate from a locally registered Western doctor confirming immobility before someone else can collect a cheque — but these seniors cannot return to Hong Kong to see a doctor. Union officer Poon Chi-fai hopes the authorities will accept mainland doctors’ certificates; otherwise mainland-based elderly have no route to authorise collection. The union has travelled to Shenzhen to help over 90 seniors complete forms, to be submitted to banks or post offices once authorisation letters are signed.

What improvements are proposed?

The union proposes the Guangdong office help seniors complete registration forms and distribute cheques, and clarify all proxy-collection arrangements. Seniors in need should seek help from trusted organisations and never hand personal data to strangers. Those earmarking the payout for retirement can also learn about MPF and retirement planning to arrange it wisely.