When Could New Immigrants Get the HK$6,000 Community Care Fund Payout?

What was announced in June 2011?

On 22 June 2011, the Community Care Fund’s executive committee discussed paying HK$6,000 to new immigrants: chair Law Chi-kwong said those turning 18 by 31 March 2012 could register from October 2011 and, after means testing, receive the money as early as November. Income caps were eased: HK$6,500 monthly for singles, HK$14,600 for two-person households, HK$20,000 for three, up to HK$37,300 for six-plus; lawmakers and groups urged equal treatment with further easing or scrapping of the test. The scheme cost HK$1.5 billion, 2% (HK$30 million) in admin — over HK$100 per recipient; 200,000-plus expected to benefit.

What was controversial?

Unions welcomed it but wanted looser rules; Democrats said the single cap was too low at HK$7,000 minimum; others warned the line-drawing divided society and stigmatised recipients.

What’s the lesson?

A one-off payout isn’t retirement security; long-term saving is on you — at MPF fund comparison.