SoCO calls for easing requirements for elderly caregiver allowances

Around 90 percent of low-income elderly caregivers feel a heavy financial burden, a survey by the Society for Community Organization (SoCO) revealed, and urged the government to relax the application criteria for the carers allowance.

Conducted with the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies of Lingnan University, the survey interviewed 30 low-income caregivers aged 60 and above between March and June this year.

Ninety percent of the respondents said their monthly income was less than HK$5,000 and urged the government to relax the application criteria for the Living Allowance for Carers of Elderly Persons from Low income Families.

SoCO recommends that the government allow those receiving Old Age Living Allowance, Disability Allowance, or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance to also apply for the caregiver allowance, thereby benefiting more low-income elderly carers.

Over 70 percent of caregivers also reported experiencing physical and mental fatigue, as well as insomnia, anxiety, and depression.