Hongkongers will get the first part of their HK$5,000 handout in cash vouchers from August 1, provided smooth testing of the scheme’s operating systems. More details will be announced at the end of this month.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said they will have five to seven months to spend it on travelling, shopping and eating in the city.
This includes overseas students, Hongkongers taking part in the Labour Department’s working holidays schemes, and older Hongkongers who live in Guangdong and Fujian on the mainland and are taking part in welfare schemes. But foreign domestic workers and expatriates with working visas are excluded.
People who want the handout can apply online from July 14 to August 14. They must use their Hong Kong identity cards or the government’s iAM Smart app to apply for it. Applicants can also sign up for the scheme at post offices or at certain government buildings.
Talking Points: Should HK people receive cash handouts instead of electronic vouchers?
Residents who want to use e-wallets like AlipayHK, Tap & Go or WeChat Pay HK can collect the digital vouchers in two instalments.
If they sign up for the handout scheme in the first two weeks, HK$2,000 will be available on August 1 and HK$3,000 will arrive on October 1. The vouchers will expire on December 31.
Those signing up between July 18 and August 14 will get the two payments on September 1 and then on November 1. The expiration date will be pushed back to January 31.
Anyone who want the cash on Octopus cards will be paid in three parts: August 1, October 1, and the final payment once the first two vouchers are used.