Scheme guide · 社會福利署
Comprehensive Social Security Assistance
綜合社會保障援助（綜援）
Means-tested financial support for eligible individuals and households unable to meet basic needs.
Benefit amount
CSSA is means-tested and may comprise standard rates, supplements and special grants depending on household circumstances. There is no single universal payment figure; refer to current SWD schedules and assessment.
Who can apply?
An applicant generally needs Hong Kong resident status for at least one year and at least one year of qualifying residence in Hong Kong since acquiring that status, subject to official absence rules, exemptions for applicants under 18 and exceptional discretion. Household income and assets are assessed. Certain immigration categories are excluded.
How to apply
Review the current CSSA eligibility guidance and contact the relevant Social Security Field Unit. SWD assesses residence, means and individual circumstances before deciding assistance.
Processing time
See official scheme details
CSSA: understand the eligibility process
Most adult applicants must have held Hong Kong residence for at least one year and lived in Hong Kong for a cumulative year since acquiring status. Up to 56 days of absence can count as Hong Kong residence; under-18 applicants and exceptional cases have special provisions.
CSSA is not a single fixed grant. SWD considers standard rates, supplements and special grants, taking household income and needs into account.
Where to apply
Contact the Social Security Field Unit for your residential area by phone, email, post, online form or in person. Prepare identification, household financial and housing records, and expect verification. Applications are free.
Application readiness checklist
Use this checklist to organize your next steps. It does not check eligibility or submit an application.
Who can apply?
An applicant generally needs Hong Kong resident status for at least one year and at least one year of qualifying residence in Hong Kong since acquiring that status, subject to official absence rules, exemptions for applicants under 18 and exceptional discretion. Household income and assets are assessed. Certain immigration categories are excluded.
Benefit amount
CSSA is means-tested and may comprise standard rates, supplements and special grants depending on household circumstances. There is no single universal payment figure; refer to current SWD schedules and assessment.
How to apply
Review the current CSSA eligibility guidance and contact the relevant Social Security Field Unit. SWD assesses residence, means and individual circumstances before deciding assistance.
Documents
Supporting evidence may include Hong Kong identity/residence documents, household information, income and asset records, and housing or essential-expense details as requested by SWD.
Frequently asked questions
Does ordinary CSSA always require seven years of residence?
No. Current ordinary CSSA guidance describes one-year resident-status and residence requirements, with exemptions and exceptions. Do not confuse this with other allowance schemes.
Is there one fixed monthly CSSA payment?
No. Entitlement varies with eligible household circumstances, rates, supplements and special grants, subject to SWD assessment.
Official information
Visit official source ↗This page is an independent guide, not an eligibility decision. Refer to official guidance for current rules.