Annual Highlights

Highlights of the Year 2023-24

Relaxation of Social Security Allowance Scheme applicants' absence limit

SWD relaxed the absence limit under the pre-application one-year-continuous-residence requirement of the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme from 56 to 90 days starting from 1 September 2023. This means that applicants can be absent from Hong Kong for up to a maximum of 90 days within one year before making an application and still be eligible for the SSA Scheme, provided that they also meet the other eligibility criteria.