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2026 Hong Kong Welfare Guide for Persons with Disabilities: Disability Allowance, White Card, and Caregiver Subsidies

Author Bowtie 團隊

Updated on 2026-07-29

The latest 2026 Hong Kong welfare guide for persons with disabilities! A comprehensive overview of the latest Normal and Higher Disability Allowance amounts, electronic White Card application methods, tax allowances, transport concessions, and carer allowance eligibility up to $6,000 per month. The Hong Kong government provides various support and welfare measures for persons with disabilities, covering cash allowances, medical rehabilitation, transport concessions, and dependent tax allowances for family members. Entering 2026, several allowance amounts and transport policies have been updated, including an upward adjustment to the Disability Allowance (commonly known as “Disability Money”), the regularisation of the caregiver living allowance, and changes to the transport concession scheme. This article consolidates the latest 2026 welfare information, application eligibility, and common myths for persons with disabilities.

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What is the Registration Card for People with Disabilities (White Card)?

The “Registration Card for People with Disabilities” (commonly known as the “White Card”) is an identity document issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau. It serves to provide proof for cardholders, facilitating their access to various concessionary measures offered by government departments or non-governmental organisations, such as the $2 public transport fare concession and half-price admission to leisure and cultural facilities.

The registration card covers various types of disabilities, including hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disability, autism, intellectual disability, and mental illness. First-time applications are free of charge. If the card is lost or damaged, a replacement fee of $61 is required.

To facilitate persons with disabilities, the government launched the “Electronic Registration Card for People with Disabilities” in late June 2024. Applicants can download the electronic version via the “iAM Smart” mobile application. The electronic registration card has the same legal effect as the physical card, allowing cardholders to enjoy the same welfare benefits without needing to carry a physical card.

2026 Disability Allowance: Normal and Higher Amounts and Eligibility

The “Disability Allowance” is a monthly cash allowance provided by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) for severely disabled Hong Kong residents without means testing. Starting from 1 February 2026, the allowance amounts for various social security schemes have been comprehensively adjusted upwards. In addition, according to the 2026 Budget arrangements, eligible persons will be issued an extra one month of allowance (commonly known as a “double pay”).

The most notable feature of the Disability Allowance is that it requires no income and asset assessments. The allowance is divided into “Normal Disability Allowance” and “Higher Disability Allowance”. The application eligibility and amount differences are as follows:

Item	Normal Disability Allowance	Higher Disability Allowance
Amount	$2,140 per month	$4,280 per month
Transport Supplement	$345 per month (limited to ages 12 to 64)	$345 per month (limited to ages 12 to 64)
Basic Eligibility	Certified by a Department of Health or Hospital Authority doctor as “severely disabled”, with the condition lasting for at least 6 months	Meets the eligibility for Normal Disability Allowance
Extra Medical Assessment	Not required	Certified by a doctor to require “constant attendance” from others in daily life
Residential Institution Restriction	No restriction	Not receiving residential care in government-subsidised institutions (including subvented/contract homes and public hospitals)

Disability Allowance Application Process and Medical Assessment Requirements

Applying for the Disability Allowance is not complicated, but applicants must pass a strict Medical Assessment Form (MAF) evaluation to confirm whether they meet the legal definition of “severe disability”.

Application Steps

Obtain and submit the form: Download the “Social Security Allowance Scheme Application Form” from the SWD website or obtain it in person at a District Social Security Field Unit. After completion, submit it to the field unit along with relevant supporting documents (e.g., identity card, copy of a bank passbook).
Arrange medical assessment: The SWD will arrange for the applicant to undergo a medical assessment at a public hospital or a Department of Health clinic. The attending doctor will assess whether the applicant is “severely disabled” and determine the duration of the disability based on the MAF criteria.
Approval and allowance disbursement: If approved, the allowance will be deposited into the applicant’s designated bank account on a monthly basis.

Residence Requirements and Absence Grace Period Applicants must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least 7 years and have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least 1 year immediately before the date of application (with absences not exceeding 56 days during that year). However, if an applicant needs to leave Hong Kong for paid employment or medical treatment and can provide relevant proof, the SWD may exercise discretion to waive the absence limit.

Other Welfare for Persons with Disabilities: Transport, Taxation, and Caregiver Support

In addition to cash allowances, persons with disabilities and their family members can enjoy various policy support measures in other aspects of life to supplement family financial and living needs.

1. Transport Welfare: $2 Fare Concession and JoyYou Card

Eligible persons with disabilities (i.e., Disability Allowance recipients or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients under the age of 12 with a 100% disability level) can enjoy the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (i.e., the $2 fare concession).

Persons under age 60: Can continue to use a Personalised Octopus with “Persons with Disabilities Status” bearing a photo to enjoy the concession.
Persons aged 60 or above: According to the latest regulations, they must switch to and present a “JoyYou Card” to continue enjoying the $2 fare concession; the original anonymous Elder Octopus and Personalised Octopus for persons with disabilities will no longer be applicable.

2. Tax Allowances: Disabled Dependant and Personal Disability Allowances

To relieve the tax burden on persons with disabilities and their caregivers, the Inland Revenue Department provides two targeted tax allowances. The current allowance amount is $75,000:

Personal Disability Allowance: If the taxpayer themselves is eligible to claim the Disability Allowance, they can apply for the deduction of the Personal Disability Allowance.
Disabled Dependant Allowance: If the taxpayer maintains a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling who is eligible to claim the Disability Allowance, they can claim this allowance.

3. Caregiver Support: Living Allowance for Carers of Persons with Disabilities

To appreciate and support caregivers who spend long hours caring for disabled family members, the government has regularised the “Pilot Scheme on Living Allowance for Low-income Carers of Persons with Disabilities”. Eligible caregivers (e.g., those meeting income limits and monthly caregiving hour requirements):

Caring for 1 person with disabilities: Can receive $3,000 per month.
Caring for 2 or more persons with disabilities: Can receive $6,000 per month.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does holding a “White Card” (Registration Card for People with Disabilities) guarantee approval for the Disability Allowance?

No. The “White Card” is mainly an identity document; the application thresholds and approving departments for the two are different. The Disability Allowance must be arranged by the SWD, and a doctor from a public hospital or the Department of Health must evaluate whether the applicant meets the definition of “severe disability” (and the condition lasts for at least 6 months) according to the strict criteria of the Medical Assessment Form before approval is granted.

Can persons with disabilities who receive the Disability Allowance work?

Yes. The Disability Allowance has no asset and income test; it mainly depends on the applicant’s physical condition and medical assessment results. As long as their physical condition permits and they have received medical advice, persons with disabilities are free to participate in work and earn an income, and they will not be disqualified from receiving the Normal or Higher Disability Allowance because of this.

Can the elderly simultaneously receive the Disability Allowance and the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA)?

No. According to the regulations of the Social Welfare Department, a recipient cannot simultaneously receive the Disability Allowance and the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), Old Age Allowance (Fruit Money), or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA). The elderly or persons with disabilities can only choose the allowance scheme that is most beneficial to them.

How can I apply for the electronic Registration Card for People with Disabilities?

Applicants can download the electronic version of the Registration Card via the “iAM Smart” mobile application. This electronic registration card has the exact same legal effect as the physical card, allowing holders to enjoy the associated welfare benefits without needing to carry the physical card.