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Emergency Alarm System (EAS)
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The HA has installed two types of EAS for elderly tenants living in its public housing estates -
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1.
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EAS installed in Housing for Senior Citizens (HSC) units
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EAS with panic alarm buttons is provided in each HSC unit, which is connected to the wardens' office and their quarters. In case of emergencies, the elderly may press one of these buttons to call the warden for assistance.
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2.
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EAS installed in other public housing units
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Since 1991, the HA had installed the EAS for elderly tenants who were receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and living alone in estates where the Estate Social Service for the Elderly Scheme had once been introduced. However, as this type of EAS was not connected to a central control centre, its functioning relied heavily on the support of the neighbours and it only offered limited assistance to the elderly in distress, the installation of such was therefore suspended in April 1996.
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Grant for Emergency Alarm System (EAS Grant)
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In May 1996, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) introduced the "Special Grant for Emergency Alarm System" whereby elderly CSSA recipients who have met the eligibility criteria stipulated by the SWD can obtain a special grant, on a reimbursement basis, to acquire any EAS service on the market to meet their needs.
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To cater for the need of those elderly who are in need of EAS but do not qualify for, or are not currently receiving CSSA, the HA has, since September 1996, provided them with an EAS Grant to enable them to purchase any EAS on the market to meet their needs. To qualify for the EAS Grant, elderly tenants must meet the following criteria -
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1.
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not receiving CSSA;
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2.
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living alone or in household with all members aged 60 or above; and
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3.
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satisfying one of the following conditions which took effect from 2 March 2000 -
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a.
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if aged 65 or over, having an income and asset not exceeding the prescribed limits detailed below; or
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b.
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if aged 60-64, having an income and asset not exceeding the prescribed limits detailed below and are certified by a public medical officer to be more than 50% disabled or suffering from such medical conditions which could develop life threatening conditions as to require immediate attention (medical certification for those receiving disability allowance from SWD for being 100% disabled or in need of constant attendance is not necessary).
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The income and asset limits are based on the prevailing financial eligibility limits for the Normal Old Age Allowance administered by the SWD, which are -
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Monthly Income Limits
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Asset Limits
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Single Person
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$6,360
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$171,000
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Married Couple
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$9,940
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$258,000
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The EAS Grant is given to eligible elderly on a reimbursement basis for a one-off installation cost up to a maximum of $2,500.
Subject to meeting the prevailing eligibility criteria, elderly persons living either alone or in household with all elderly members in interim housing and Rent Allowance for Elderly Scheme recipients are also offered the EAS Grant from 2 March 2000 and October 2001 respectively.
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