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The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau reminded the public today (December 20) that the deadline for registration under Scheme $6,000 is December 31 this year.
A spokesman for the Bureau said that people who meet the eligibility criteria (i.e. holder of a valid Hong Kong permanent smart identity card aged 18 or above on the eligibility date (March 31, 2012)) but have not yet registered under the Scheme must do so on or before December 31 to benefit from Scheme $6,000. Late registration will not be accepted.
Under Scheme $6,000, the receipt date of registration is taken as the date of registration. Depending on the means of submitting registration, the date of receipt normally refers to:
* the date on which the completed registration form is submitted to a drop box placed in a bank or post office (if submitted through drop box);
* the transaction date recorded by the e-banking system of the relevant bank (if submitted via e-banking); or
* the date of the postmark stamped by Hongkong Post or the relevant overseas postal authority (if applicable) (if submitted by mail to Hong Kong General Post Office Box No. 186000).
People who met the eligibility criteria on the Scheme commencement date (August 28, 2011) may register on or before December 31 to receive payment of $6,000 plus a bonus of $200.
People who did not meet the eligibility criteria on August 28, 2011, but did so on the eligibility date (March 31, 2012) may also register on or before December 31 to receive payment of $6,000.
Scheme $6,000 has been operating smoothly since its commencement on August 28, 2011. Registrants who register through banks and have met the eligibility criteria will normally receive payment in around 10 weeks after registration. Those who register through Hongkong Post and have met the eligibility criteria will normally be notified by post to collect their cheques within around 12 weeks after registration.
The spokesman reminded successful registrants who have been notified to collect their cheques to do so in person at the post offices selected within the period specified on the notification. They need to show their notification and identity card for verification of identity. As set out in the written reminders to these registrants, if the cheques are not collected within the one-year period after the issue dates, the registrants are deemed to have forfeited the payment.
He also reminded members of the public to safeguard their personal data and guard against scams for obtaining personal data or money by deceit in the guise of Scheme $6,000.
For more information about Scheme $6,000, please visit www.scheme6000.gov.hk. Enquiries can be made on 186000.
Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:01
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