1. Can the subsidized persons show only the photocopy of their identity document?
No. Enrolled doctors have to check the original identity document to verify the person's eligibility.
2. Do I have to make a copy of the identity documents of the subsidised person?
Enrolled doctors have to check the identity documents of the person, but it is NOT necessary to keep copy of their identity documents.
3. What kinds of identity document are accepted under the VSS?
Valid identity documents applicable to persons aged 11 years or above include:
- Hong Kong Identity Card@; or
- Certificate of Exemption
Valid identity documents applicable to children aged below 11 years include:
- Hong Kong Identity Card@;
- Hong Kong Birth Certificate indicating that the holder’s Hong Kong permanent resident status as “Established”;
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Re-entry Permit;
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (if the observation page bears the remark "The bearer has the right to return to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provided that the limit of stay in the Region imposed upon the bearer (as endorsed on this document) has not expired", the limit of stay in Hong Kong is still valid)
- "Permit to Remain in the HKSAR" (ID 235B) showing unconditioned stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or that the holder’s limit of stay in Hong Kong is still valid;
- Travel document with endorsement or relevant landing slip (if applicable), showing -
- "Permitted to remain until (date*)"; or "Permission to remain extended until (date*)" (* the limit of stay in Hong Kong is still valid);
- "The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong";
- "The holder arrived Hong Kong on (date) and was permitted to land in Hong Kong";
- "Previous conditions of stay are hereby cancelled";
- "Holder’s eligibility for Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card verified";
- "Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region";
- "Unconditional stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region had been granted"; and
- Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry for adopted children indicating that the holder's permanent resident status as "Established".
@ Except for those who obtained a Hong Kong Identity Card by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to him/ her and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid.
4. Besides the document for identifying Hong Kong resident status, what other documents are required to proof the eligibility for VSS?
Enrolled doctors should check the following additional documents for the following groups and keep a copy of those documents for inspection by DH staff:
- Children aged 12 years or above and attending primary school in Hong Kong: the Student Handbook / Student Card;
- Persons with intellectual disability: The Registration Card for People with Disabilities (with indication of intellectual disability or mentally handicap*) issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau (Central Registry for Rehabilitation), or a certificate certifying the PID is eligible for VSS issued by a registered doctor or the person in-charge from the designated institutions serving the PID;
- Persons receiving Disability Allowance: The letter issued by the Social Welfare Department for approval of Disability Allowance;
- Persons receiving standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme: The “Certificate of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients (for Medical Waivers)” which was issued before 15 December 2018, or Annex page of valid “Notification of Successful Application” / “Notification of Revision of Assistance” issued by the Social Welfare Department to proof his / her eligibility for CSSA. The person or the parent / guardian is required to sign a self-declaration form provided by the doctor enrolled in the VSS to declare his / her eligibility status as in receipt of standard rate of payment as being certified of 100% disabled or requiring constant attendance under the CSSA scheme.
5. Are all children required to provide school attendance proof?
This is applicable only to children aged 12 years or above but attending a primary school in Hong Kong. Parents have to show the attending doctor the child's Student Handbook or Student Card and submit a photocopy when use the subsidy.
6. Do I have to make a copy of the identity documents of the persons with intellectual disability?
Yes. To be eligible under the VSS, the person must be a Hong Kong resident holding the Registration Card for People with Disabilities (with indication of intellectual disability or mentally handicap) issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau (Central Registry for Rehabilitation) or a certificate certifying the person is a PID or eligible for VSS issued by a registered doctor or the person in-charge from the designated institutions serving the PID. The certificate can be issued by the enrolled doctor. The sample of the identity documents are shown in the appendix of the VSS Doctors' Guide at the CHP website. The list of the designated institutions serving the PID is uploaded at CHP website.You have to check the identity documents of the person of intellectual disability, and keep a copy of the eligible person's Registration Card for People with Disabilities or certificate for inspection by staff of the Department of Health.
7. What kind of documents should the persons receiving Disability Allowance present?
The persons receiving Disability Allowance should present the letter issued by the Social Welfare Department informing their successful application of Disability Allowance, and submit a copy to the enrolled doctor for keeping. The sample of the letter is shown in the Appendix of the VSS Doctors' Guide available on the CHP website.
8. What kind of documents should the persons receiving standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme present?
The persons receiving standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme should present the “Certificate of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients (for Medical Waivers)” which was issued before 15 December 2018, or Annex page of valid “Notification of Successful Application” / “Notification of Revision of Assistance” issued by the Social Welfare Department, and submit a copy to the enrolled doctor for keeping. The person or the parent / guardian is required to sign a self-declaration form provided by the doctor enrolled in the VSS to declare his / her eligibility status as in receipt of standard rate of payment as being certified of 100% disabled or requiring constant attendance under the CSSA scheme.