“N-have-not” elderly lament HK$6,000 hurdles; union logs 430 pleas, proposes Guangdong-office help

Registration for the government’s HK$6,000 handout has begun, and unions say nearly 430 mainland-based elderly Hongkongers have sought help in recent months, fearing they cannot claim it — including over 70 “N-have-nots” with no Hong Kong bank account, address or smart ID.

How serious is the situation?

The union’s mainland service centre logged over 430 pleas from mainland-based elderly Hongkongers aged 60 to 105, including 343 aged 70 or above. More than 300 with mobility difficulties and about 80 long-term sick seniors feel helpless; one lamented: “Going back to Hong Kong just to fill in a form costs hundreds of dollars round-trip — such a hassle!”

What do legislators propose?

Union legislator Wong Kwok-kin said the government gave no clear handout plan for mainland-based Hongkongers — a poorly thought-through approach — and proposed the Guangdong office help seniors complete forms and distribute cheques. The centre has opened a Shenzhen registration point, drawing over 20 seniors; 88-year-old wheelchair-bound Chan, holding only a joint bank account with no local address or phone, has no idea how to collect his money.

How can seniors protect themselves?

Never disclose personal data to strangers; seek help through trusted organisations or official channels. The union says it will meet relevant departments soon to discuss facilitation. Eligible seniors can also learn about retirement-protection resources to plan old age wisely.