Our Work & Reports

An elderly recipient in his 80s of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (“CSSA”) Scheme, administered by the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”), had painstakingly saved his allowance to cover the cost of a necessary coronary artery bypass graft surgery.  However, when the time came for CSSA renewal, SWD rejected his application on the grounds that his assets exceeded the eligibility limit. As a result, without CSSA, he had to cover public housing rent and living expenses all by himself. Later, when his asset level again fell below the eligibility threshold, SWD further required him to settle the previous overpayment in one lump sum before processing his CSSA renewal. Fearing that such a large repayment would deplete all his savings and leave him unable to sustain his livelihood, he approached the Office for assistance.

Recognising the elderly applicant’s helplessness, the Office stepped in and proposed mediation with SWD. After review, SWD understood his situation and decided to handle his case flexibly. It swiftly approved his renewal application and assisted him in applying for settlement of overpaid allowance in instalments.  Additionally, he received back payments of the Old Age Living Allowance for the period during which he was ineligible for CSSA, along with the CSSA since his eligibility was reinstated.

He was deeply grateful to the Office for resolving his anxiety through mediation and sincerely appreciated SWD’s understanding and flexible arrangements, which restored his financial stability and peace of mind.