Job Discussion Forums

pompomouse · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 14

I have just been given a provisional offer for a position under the PNET scheme to commence August 15th. I am trying to figure out my start up costs and how much I will need for when I first arrive. I know that NETS are provided with a housing allowance however I was wondering when can I expect to receive it? Do they give this when I arrive? Will I receive it along with my first paycheque? I would appreciate hearing about how and when you received your housing allowance.

Thanks

saroq · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 77

Two years ago new NETs were able to get 2 months advance of their base salary (not including the living allowance) when they reported to their school, in your case the 15th. This advance was then repaid over the 1st 12 months of the contract. Check your information this is probably still the case. You should be paid your living allowance with your salary at the end of each month. But remember you're dealing with an inept and incompetent organisation (the EMB, some schools also fall into this category) so being paid on time is very likely but not guarateed. You will receive you first salary payment at the end or August. It will be approximately half a months pay + half the living allowance.

Two sites that will help you are http://www.pnets.org/index.asp A discussion groups for PNETs. Many people there will be willing to help answer all your questions but you'll have to prove you are a PNET to join.

The other site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hkpnets/ is a yahoo discussion group which gets some use but it's members opted to join the other group above to keep discussions secure from the EMB.

Either one will be of great assistance to you and a great help when dealing with the isolation of the NET scheme.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

You will receive the 'housing allowance' (it used to be called the 'special allowance') along with your salary. Indeed, it in fact becomes part of your salary (this is at least how it seems to your bank manager).

As I understand it, though you will have to check, the salary advance scheme was disbanded after a group of extremely professional PNETs did 'a runner' with some of their debt outstanding. Hopefully you will still be able to apply for this, though. If you still can make use of this, you need to apply to your school, not the EMB.

Smoog · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 137 Location: Hong Kong

Well I've just started as a PNET, and I was able to ask for an advance on my basic pay. I can't remember exactly how much you ask for. It's either up to 1 or 2 months pay. But they deduct it from your pay over 6 months now, not 12 as it used to be.
I had to wait until my visa came through before I could apply for the speciall allowance. This meant I didn't get it in my first pay, but it will be back-dated.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

Thanks, 'Smoog'. So the repayment period has been reduced to six months. Obviously all payments will depend on visa applications and reference and service checks.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

yes as smoog says ,the repayment period is now 6 months.
NETS employed in 2003 got $13000 housing allowance.
This was reduced to $10500 for 2004 NETS.
New NETS coming in 2005 will get $10500 although NETS are pressing that the $13000 be restored. This is unlikely at the moment.

You may have to wait a bit for an advance, and meanwhile you will need to put down money for your apartment. You do need to bring a bit of money to HK for immediate expenses once you arrive.

You need to think about putting away around 15% of your salary each month to pay for your tax as there is no PAYE tax deductions here.

Good luck and I hope you will be happy in your school in HK.

NETteacher · Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 21

Hong Kong NEST is an on-line forum set up for all Primary and Secondary NET Teachers in the HKSAR Government's NET Scheme. If you are a present, former or soon to be NET, you are invited to join the forum.

We are an independent e-group with currently over 200 members, not controlled by any organisation or association. We support NETs and the restoration of the salary & contract conditions which are currently under attack by the EMB.

You may join by visiting the web site below.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HKNEST/