Carrie Lam ‘shocked’ as Hong Kong lawmakers criticise increase in age limit for elderly welfare payments from 60 to 65
- Chief executive says change was approved by Legco last year and cannot be reversed
Hong Kong’s leader deflected criticism from lawmakers on Thursday over an increase in the age limit for elderly welfare payments from 60 to 65, pointing out that they approved the change in last year’s budget.
Expressing shock at the opposition by lawmakers from across the political spectrum, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the move had been approved by the Legislative Council and could not be halted.
Starting from February 1, the age limit for applying for the elderly comprehensive social security assistance (CSSA) scheme will rise from 60 to 65. The current subsidy amount ranges from HK$2,600 (US$330) to HK$3,485.
People aged 60 to 64 will only be able to apply for adult social security allowance, which ranges from HK$1,760 to HK$2,665 a month, or allowances of up to HK$5,930 a month if they are ill or disabled and require constant attendance.
During a question and answer session at Legco on Thursday, lawmakers – from the both pan-democratic and pro-establishment camps – voiced opposition to the policy change, saying the government had failed to properly consult the legislature.
