wfsfaa.gov.hk Financial Assistance Schemes for Primary & Secondary Students : Working Family Agency

Name of the Organization : Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency
Type of Facility : Financial Assistance Schemes for Primary & Secondary Students
Country : Hong Kong

Website : http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/primarysecondary/tt/overview.htm
Guideline : https://www.statusin.org/uploads/25818-SFOguideline.pdf
Application Form : https://www.statusin.org/uploads/25818-SFOform.pdf

Financial Assistance Schemes for Primary & Secondary Students :

Overview :
The Student Finance Office (SFO) administers the following financial assistance schemes for needy primary and secondary students :
** The School Textbook Assistance (TA) Scheme

Related : Working Family Agency Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students Hong Kong : www.statusin.org/25815.html

** The Student Travel Subsidy (STS) Scheme
** The Subsidy Scheme for Internet Access Charges (SIA)

Eligibility :
Student-applicant :
A student-applicant must :
** be an unmarried Hong Kong Resident;
** have the right of abode, right to land or valid permission to remain without any condition of stay (other than the limit of stay) in Hong Kong; and
** attend a school belonging to one of the categories of schools as stipulated in the individual financial assistance schemes.
** Students holding visitor visas, two-way exit permits, student visas or who are dependents of student-visa / visitor-visa holders are not eligible to apply for student financial assistance.

Applicant :
** An applicant must be the parent or guardian (as recognized under Guardianship of Minors Ordinance, Cap 13) of the student-applicant(s).
** Otherwise, the applicant must explain in detail with proof why this cannot be complied with in the application form.

** Generally speaking, if families currently in receipt of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) have children studying in primary and secondary schools, they should apply direct to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) for school-related assistance for their children’s examination fees, expenses on textbook and stationery, transport fares, Internet access charges at home, etc.

** They do not need to submit the “Household Application Form for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” to the SFO.

Application Procedures :
** “Household Application Form for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” is a family-based application form which facilitates families with child(ren) attending primary and secondary school(s) or kindergarten(s) / child care centre(s) to apply for student financial assistance.

** If families wish to apply for student financial assistance for primary and secondary students in 2016/17, please complete the Household Application Form for Student Financial Assistance Schemes according to the Guidance Note and return the completed application form together with all necessary supporting documents to the SFO directly by post preferably before 31 May 2016.

** Those families who newly apply for financial assistance for primary and secondary students may obtain the application documents (see items (1) to (4) below) from District Offices or schools or may download them from the SFO Webpage.

** The completed application form together with copies of the relevant supporting documents listed below should be submitted to the SFO by post.
** “Household Application Form for Student Financial Assistance Schemes ” (SFO7B);
** “Guidance Notes on Household Application for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” (SFO75B(1)) and “Notes on How to Complete and Return Household Application Form” (SFO75B(2));
** “Cover Sheet for Supporting Documents” (SFO108); and
** Addressed envelope for submission of application (SFO182).

** All applications of financial assistance for primary and secondary students submitted on or after 1 June 2016 will be handled by the SFO after the applications received in May are processed.
** Notification of result and release of financial assistance to these applicants will therefore be deferred.
** Applicants who have any enquiries concerning the eligibility and application procedures may call the above enquiry hotline, or write to the SFO at Tsimshatsui Post Office Box No. 96824.**

Checklist for Submission :
** Please submit the completed “Household Application for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” and copies of the relevant supporting documents by post before 31 May 2016, using the addressed envelope provided.

Required supporting documents include:
** Copy of identity documents of the applicant and his / her family members as listed in Part II of the Application Form; and
** (For single-parent families) Copy of supporting documents for separation / divorce or spouse’s Death Certificate.
** If applicants are unable to provide the supporting documents, please explain in writing the reasons and sign on an explanatory note; and

** (If applicable) Copy of documentary proof on unavoidable medical expenses (for family members who are chronically ill or permanently incapacitated) for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016; and

** Documentary proof on total income for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016
** Please affix sufficient postage.
** Applicants should write their address at the back of the addressed envelope to avoid wrong / unsuccessful delivery.
** Please make a copy of the “Household Application for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” for personal retention, if necessary.