Disability Allowance

INTRODUCTION

In Hong Kong, transgender identities or gender dysphoria has been depathologized. At the same time, with referral from a psychiatrist, one is eligible to apply for Normal Disability Allowance under the Social Security Allowance Scheme by the Social Welfare Department (SWD).

Normal Disability Allowance:

The Scheme is non-contributory and the allowances paid under the Scheme are non-means-tested (Applicable for all with full-time or part-time job, self-employed, or unemployed individuals).
Effective from 1 February 2026, the monthly payment rate is HKD 2,140 + monthly Transport Supplement of HKD 345.
- The allowance is sent directly to one's bank account together with the allowance to eligible Disability Allowance applicants.
- HKD 2,485 in total per month.

If you are interested, please directly consult your psychiatrist.

For details, please refer to this webpage on 1823, or that of SWD.

1. Residence:

Has been a Hong Kong resident for at least 7 years; and

Has resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least 1 year immediately before the date of application (absence from Hong Kong up to a maximum of 90 days during the one-year period is treated as residence in Hong Kong).

Note:

Persons whose presence in Hong Kong is unlawful or persons who are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for a purpose other than residence (for example, imported workers or visitors) are excluded from the Scheme.

Hong Kong residents aged below 18 applying for Disability Allowance are exempted from the residence requirements in (a) and (b) above.

In considering the residence requirement in (b) above, consideration can be given to disregarding absences arising from full-time study or paid work or receiving medical treatment outside Hong Kong for more than 90 days during the one-year period, subject to there being sufficient documentary proof (and reason).

2. Continues to reside in Hong Kong during receipt of Disability Allowance (Please click here for information on the permissible limit of absence from Hong Kong during receipt of allowance).

3. Is not receiving other allowances under the Social Security Allowance Scheme or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme;

4. Is not being detained in legal custody or admitted to a penal institution.

GOVERNMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARE CONCESSION SCHEME (THE $2 SCHEME)

After approval of the Disability Allowance, submit the application form for the Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status". Must use Personalised Octopus with photo and encoded with "Persons with Disabilities Status" to benefit from the $2 Scheme.

Upon approval of application or renewal of the Disability Allowance, SWD will mail a pre-verified application form for Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status".
- Online application is also feasible.
- Those who have not received the pre-verified application form can apply for reissuance from the respective Social Security Field Unit of SWD, or obtain a blank application form at MTR Customer Service Centres*.

Eligible persons with disabilities aged 60 or above should apply and use a JoyYou Card to continue to enjoy $2 Scheme. There is an expiry date for the Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status". There is no need to apply for renewal of the “Persons with Disabilities Status” after switching to a JoyYou Card.
For any enquiries, please call MTR hotline 2881 8888.

For details, please refer to the webpage of the Labour and Welfare Bureau.

*Except Airport Express stations, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse, Disneyland Resort, Sunny Bay, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung, South Horizons, Hin Keng, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan stations

REGISTRATION CARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Disability Allowance and Registration Card for People with Disabilities are different welfare, and require applications separately.

For details, please refer to the webpage of the Labour and Welfare Bureau.