Plan to change age limit for social welfare scheme unlikely to be stopped despite public backlash, says top adviser to Hong Kong’s leader
- Elderly Commission chairman says he gets rationale behind CSSA policy move
- But he suggests officials should study if the job market will be compatible with the change
A controversial change to the age limit of an elderly welfare payment scheme is unlikely to be stopped, but officials should study how it could be implemented better, a top-level adviser to Hong Kong’s leader has said.
Executive councillor Lam Ching-choi, chairman of the Elderly Commission, also said on Sunday the move would help ease age discrimination in the workplace.
This came after the government announced last week that the lower age limit for applying for elderly comprehensive social security assistance (CSSA) would be increased from 60 to 65.
Beginning on February 1, eligible residents aged 65 or above will receive between HK$3,375 and HK$6,095 per month in support payments, depending on health and family conditions.
“I agree with the rationale behind this administrative policy,” Lam Ching-choi said. “It is worth studying how it may be implemented better, and if the job market will be compatible with the change.”