Strongly oppose the “increase in CSSA eligibility for the elderly to 65 years old “
Position Book
The Social Welfare Department has announced that with effect from February 1, the eligible age for CSSA for the elderly will be raised from 60 to 65 years, and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong Social Workers Association, the Hong Kong Federation of Social Worker Unions and the Shao Legislative Council member’s Office (hereinafter referred to as: the third party) strongly oppose the Government’s policy changes. And asked the government to shelve the arrangements.
Tightening the age of CSSA claims for the elderly is a major policy to change the CSSA system, but the government has hastily implemented it without any public consultation. Once the government has implemented the measures, the single person who was originally eligible for 60 to 64 years of age to apply for adult CSSA from February 1 can only receive $2,525 yuan per month, compared with the previous cssa of the elderly $3,585 yuan per month, less $1,060 yuan, the gap is nearly 30%.
Without savings reserves, the elderly must try to re-enter the labour market in order to make ends meet. However, it is generally difficult for 60 of the elderly to find work in the labour market, and there are still many concerns and discrimination in the community with respect to the employment of elderly persons, including questioning the ability of candidates, worrying about the high labour insurance premiums of elderly staff and the fear that the elderly will have an unexpected and higher risk affecting the company. Therefore, the government sings that young elders are still capable of engaging in economic productive activities, but the actual situation is probably not as optimistic as officials think. It is believed that many elderly people will continue to need CSSA support because they are unable to take up employment. The lives of these elderly people may not be able to afford even their basic livelihood because of the reduction in the amount of assistance, which is not counterproductive!
Apart from strongly opposing the “increase in CSSA eligibility for the elderly to 65 years”, the three sides are also worried that the government will, in future, arbitrarily tighten the eligibility of the elderly for other social benefits without consulting the elderly and the industry.
We therefore solemnly demand that the government put the above policy on hold immediately.
Cai Haiwei, chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Council of Social Service
Liangpeyau, president of the Hong Kong Social Workers Association
Len Zhiwei, president of the General Association of Social Workers in Hong Kong
Shao-Wah, member of the Legislative Council (Social welfare sector)
January 10, 2019