Several types of social security allowances will be increased by 1.3% from February 1, the Social Welfare Department announced today.

Based on the established adjustment mechanism, the standard payment rates under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme, and rates for the Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living and Disability Allowance under the Social Security Allowance Scheme, will be raised by 1.3%.

The Legislative Council Finance Committee approved the adjustments, which will benefit more than 1.6 million people, last month.

The Government will also raise the maximum rent allowance under the CSSA scheme by 0.2% from February 1, taking into account movements in the Consumer Price Index rent index for private housing.