Navigating Disability Status in Hong Kong

For parents with children on the autism spectrum, the decision to apply for disability status is a significant one, often requiring thoughtful consideration and time.

On the one hand, having official documentation can be immensely beneficial. In emergencies, having documentation can provide swift assistance, especially for those with invisible conditions such as ASD, who might find it challenging to articulate their needs.

Beyond moments of crisis, having a disabled status can provide some practical advantages for families by alleviating the daily stresses of their ASD journey.

However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against other considerations. Every family's situation is unique, and there are various factors that parents need to think about when making this decision. 

Understanding both the potential benefits and the broader implications is key to making an informed choice that best supports the needs and aspirations of your child.

The Registration Card for People with Disabilities in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, official proof of disability status comes in the form of the Registration Card for People with Disabilities, sometimes referred to as the “White Card” due to its appearance.

Introduced by the government in 1999, this card serves as official proof of a person’s disability status. In June 2024, an electronic version was introduced to supplement the physical card.

Permanent vs Temporary Status

The card is available in two types: permanent and temporary. The latter has to be renewed every two years. Any person found to suffer from a disability, including autism, may apply for the card. Non-Hong Kong citizens and non-Hong Kong residents with a disability can also apply so long as they can provide a local mailing address.

Disabled adults can apply for either a temporary or permanent card, depending on whether their disability condition is temporary or permanent. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder is often a lifelong condition, adults with such a disability could be assigned a temporary card, depending on their health records. Eligible disabled persons under the age of 18, however, are only entitled to a temporary card, regardless of their disability condition.

Click here for information on application.

Benefits of Having a Disability Status

Disability Allowance Benefits

A person’s disability status can entitle them to the Normal Disability Allowance and Higher Disability Allowance issued by the government. These allowances, with monthly payment rates of $2,070 and $4,140 respectively, are part of the Social Security Allowance Scheme. However, they do not serve as documentary proof of disability and must be applied for separately through the Social Welfare Department.

The Normal Disability Allowance is meant for people with severe disabilities but do not require constant attendance in their day-to-day life. The Higher Disability Allowance is for severely disabled people in need of constant attendance from others and who are not in the care of a government-run institution. 

Disabled persons who are eligible to claim any of the two disability allowances can claim the Personal Disability Allowance when filing their tax. Tax benefits are also granted to disabled people’s family members, including their spouses, children, parents, grandparents and siblings.

Click here to access further details.

Transportation Benefits

These benefits include discounted fares on public transport such as the Star Ferry and outlying island ferries. 

Additionally, every November, the MTR and various bus and ferry services offer free rides to disabled people in honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Cardholders can show their registration card to enjoy these free services.

Disabled drivers who have passed a driving ability assessment by the Transport Department may apply for a Disabled Person’s Parking Permit, which entitles the holder to use parking spaces dedicated to the disabled, enjoy free access to on-street metered parking spaces, and use government car parks at half-price.

Click here to access further details.

Fun and Leisure Perks

Cardholders also enjoy various benefits at amusement parks and leisure facilities. These include discounts on museum visits and booking sports facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, half-priced tickets for the Hong Kong Ferris Wheel, and free admission to Ocean Park. The amusement park also offers priority access to cardholders who have difficulties queuing due to physical or psychological constraints.

Extra Conveniences

Cardholders who are on the spectrum, along with their families or carers, can enjoy free delivery services from Park’N Shop and Wellcome supermarkets. Application forms are available on the Labour and Welfare Bureau’s website. 

Concerns from Parents of Autistic Children

Despite the many benefits, some parents of children on the spectrum have reservations about obtaining the registration card and applying for status.

One concern is the “White Card” itself, which can carry a derogatory connotation when used by sarcastic netizens on social media to make jokes about people with mental illnesses.

Additional worries include potential obstacles to their children’s future areas and challenges related to moving to a foreign country.

Impact on Employment

Conventional wisdom might suggest that employment opportunities can be limited for those with disabilities. However, this largely depends on the employer, and as we progress toward a more inclusive society, we hope to see these opportunities expand.

In some instances, jobseekers with disabilities actually have an advantage. For example, disabled individuals applying for government positions who meet the basic entry requirements are automatically invited to attend a job interview without being subject to any shortlisting criteria.

Immigration Considerations

When it comes to immigration, many countries screen for health conditions during the application process. Having a disability could undermine a candidate’s chances if they are deemed a potential financial burden. For instance, countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom have stringent health requirements that can pose challenges for disabled immigrants. 

These policies are medically based and not directly due to having a disabled status per se. Rather, they focus on the potential costs to their health and social services systems, which can impact the likelihood of approval for individuals with significant health conditions or disabilities.

Debunking the Myths of Disability Status

Holding the registration card itself will not affect one’s prospects of finding employment or migrating abroad. Despite the card being proof of a person’s disability status, it is not an identity document, and it is at the cardholder’s discretion whether to reveal their possession of it.

Whether a disabled person can land a job or move to another country depends not on the mere fact that they have a disability status represented by the Registration Card for People with Disabilities, but on factors such as their health conditions, professional skills, and performance at job or immigration interviews.

According to Yau Wai-nga, centre-in-charge of the Society for the Welfare of the Autistic Persons (SWAP), which has more than 1,000 members, about 80 to 90 percent of SWAP members who previously worried about possible negative repercussions of their children holding the registration card ended up getting it, as they realized their concerns were unfounded.

The Care Card: An Alternative to the Registration Card

Parents and carers of severely autistic persons may consider the Care Card as an alternative to the Registration Card for People with Disabilities.

The Care Card, issued by the Hong Kong police, is designed to assist mentally incapacitated persons (MIPs) in emergencies. It includes vital information such as medical needs, emergency contacts, and behavioral characteristics, which can help law enforcement officers provide quick and informed assistance. The card is voluntary and can be obtained from police stations, family service centers, medical social services units in public hospitals, special schools, and relevant NGOs.

While the Disability Card offers official recognition and benefits for people with disabilities, the Care Card focuses on emergency assistance and communication needs, providing parents and carers with an additional option to support their loved ones.