Extra carer allowance 'made within strict constraints'

Carers from low-income families in Hong Kong will receive an additional HK$300 per month in allowance, according to the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun. This increase is part of a series of measures announced in the Chief Executive's Policy Address, aimed at providing support to caregivers who are financially disadvantaged.

Chief Executive John Lee highlighted that the government had to work within strict financial constraints, emphasizing that every extra dollar made a difference. Sun stressed that while resources are limited, the government hoped to prioritize assistance for those most in need, namely low-income caregivers.

Additionally, the government plans to launch a mobile version of the JoyYou Card by the end of 2026, which will offer seniors the option of a HK$2 flat rate or an 80 percent discount on public transport services. This initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting with the replacement of existing cards to ensure that all 2.7 million eligible residents have a personalized JoyYou Card with a photo under real-name registration.

Sun noted that while the mobile card will be the primary method of access after its launch, some seniors may still prefer the traditional physical card due to comfort or technological barriers.

In the context of supporting an aging society, Sun's bureau has initiated a trial scheme involving 300 single-elderly or elderly-only households. This trial will test two types of assistive technology: one designed to detect sudden falls and another to automatically alert emergency services. If these technologies prove effective, the government intends to expand the program to more elderly households in Hong Kong.