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Announcing that Scheme $6,000 will commence on August 28, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, emphasised that the registration process will be simple and convenient, with no need for people to queue up to submit forms in person to banks or post offices.
Speaking at a press conference today (August 12), Professor Chan said that members of the public, especially the elderly, may ask people they trust to submit the form for them, or send it by post. He also reminded the public to safeguard their personal data.
Persons aged 18 or above who hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card on August 28 may register for the $6,000 through banks or Hongkong Post in batches according to their year of birth.
Persons who meet the eligibility criteria on August 28 but who choose to receive the sum later may register from April 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, so as to receive $6,000 plus a bonus of $200.
Those who do not fulfil the eligibility criteria on August 28 but who will do so on March 31, 2012, may register for $6,000 on or after April 1, 2012. Registration for the scheme will close on December 31, 2012.
Noting that the scheme will involve more than 6 million eligible persons, Professor Chan said a batching arrangement is being adopted in the first 10 weeks upon the commencement of the scheme.
Eligible persons may register in five batches during this period according to their year of birth, with each batch lasting two weeks. The first batch will cater for elderly persons born in 1946 or before (i.e. those aged 65 or above).
Professor Chan said, "To facilitate registration by members of the public, registration forms will be made available from August 22."
Persons who register through banks can get the registration forms from bank branches whereas those registering through Hongkong Post can obtain the forms from various post offices. Forms will also be available from locations including public enquiry service centres of various district offices, district social welfare offices of the Social Welfare Department, and public housing estate offices, or can be downloaded from the Scheme $6,000 website (www.scheme6000.gov.hk).
Persons who have bank accounts in their sole name may submit duly completed forms through drop boxes placed at any branch of the bank selected for receiving the sum. Forms may also be submitted by mail or through e-banking. If found eligible, the persons will then receive the sum direct through their specified accounts.
Persons who do not have bank accounts may register through Hongkong Post. If found eligible, they will be notified by post to collect a cheque at the post office selected. The cheque can be encashed at any local branch of Standard Chartered Bank.
"I would like to remind members of the public, especially the elderly, that whichever way you register, there is no need to queue up for submitting the forms in person," Professor Chan said. "You may ask someone you trust to submit the form for you, or mail it to Hong Kong General Post Office Box No. 186000. The registration period will last till the end of next year, allowing ample time for registration. There is no need to rush."
He pointed out that the scheme will launch on Sunday, August 28, to cater for elderly persons aged 65 or above, who will register in the first batch. On that day, over 1,100 branches of 21 retail banks and 126 post offices will open from 9am to 5pm solely for handling registration under Scheme $6,000.
Professor Chan said, "As August is in the typhoon season, we will make appropriate arrangements on August 28 taking into account the weather conditions on that day." The detailed arrangements will be similar to the normal practices of banks and post offices under inclement weather. If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted or the Black Rainstorm Warning is issued before the business hours, banks and post offices will not open. If Typhoon Signal No. 8 is lowered or the Black Rainstorm Warning is cancelled at or before noon, banks and post offices will open after two hours. Members of the public should pay attention to TV and radio announcements if Hong Kong is under the impact of a typhoon or heavy persistent rain in the morning of August 28.
Professor Chan said the Government will launch a series of publicity activities to enhance public understanding of the scheme's registration process and timetable. He reminded members of the public to guard against scams for obtaining personal data or money by deceit in the guise of Scheme $6,000.
The public may visit the website of Scheme $6,000 (www.scheme6000.gov.hk) for more information. For enquiries, please call 186000.
Ends/Friday, August 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:27
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