[Old Age Allowance / Fruit Money 2026] Understand the latest amount, application procedures, and asset limits
The Old Age Allowance, commonly known as "Fruit Money," is a public welfare benefit provided by the Hong Kong government for elderly residents aged 70 or above, aimed at helping them meet special living needs. This article covers asset limits, application procedures, and the differences between the Fruit Money and the Old Age Living Allowance.
What is the Old Age Allowance / "Fruit Money"?
The Old Age Allowance, commonly referred to as "Fruit Money," was introduced in the 1970s as a monthly cash subsidy provided by the Hong Kong government to residents aged 70 or above. Its purpose is to offer financial support to the elderly to help cover additional expenses that come with ageing. Applicants must be Hong Kong residents who have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year (with no more than 90 days spent outside Hong Kong), and must be aged 70 or above.
How much is the Fruit Money allowance?
Starting from February 1, 2025, the monthly amount of the Fruit Money is HK$1,640.
Asset Limit for Fruit Money Application
There is no asset limit for the Fruit Money. Applicants are not subject to a means test, and anyone meeting the age and residency requirements can apply regardless of their financial situation. This makes Fruit Money one of the more widely accessible welfare options for the elderly, particularly suitable for those who have considerable assets but still need some financial support.
How to Apply for Fruit Money
There are multiple ways to apply for Fruit Money, designed for the convenience of the elderly and their families:
- Apply in person or have a friend/relative submit the application at a Social Security Field Unit;
- Submit the application via phone, fax, email, online form, or post;
- Download the "Social Security Allowance Scheme Application Form," complete it, and return it by mail or in person along with identity documents and a copy of the bank passbook;
- Apply through referrals from government departments or NGOs.
Key documents required include the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card, the front page of their bank passbook (showing name and account number), and copies of all travel documents.
Difference Between Fruit Money and Old Age Living Allowance
| Old Age Allowance (Fruit Money) | Old Age Living Allowance | |
| Eligible Age | 70 or above | 65 or above |
| Asset Test | None | Asset and income test required |
| Asset Limit | None | Approximately HK$401,000 for single persons, HK$608,000 for couples (from 2024) |
| Monthly Allowance | Approximately HK$1,640 (from 2025) | Approximately HK$4,250 (from 2025) |
| Eligibility | Hong Kong resident with one year of continuous residency | Hong Kong resident with one year of continuous residency, and must meet asset and income limits |
| Mutual Exclusivity | Cannot be received together with the Old Age Living Allowance | Cannot be received together with the Old Age Allowance ("Fruit Money") |
Both are government welfare schemes, but applicants can only choose one—receiving both simultaneously is not allowed.
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References
- Elderly Welfare in Hong Kong 2025: Fruit Money / Old Age Living Allowance / Comprehensive Social Security Assistance – Eligibility and Subsidy Amounts (with Application Form Download) - Planto
- What are the eligibilty criteria of old age allowance? What is the amount of assistance payable?- 1823.gov.hk
- Old Age Living Allowance
- Old Age Living Allowance vs Fruit Money | Old Age Allowance and Higher OALA Increase by 1.3% from February – Eligibility / Asset Limits / Allowance Amount Summary - ulifestyle