Job Discussion Forums

chickens · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 7 Location: New Territories

I am thinking about buying a home in Hong Kong, and wondered if I can use my "special" housing allowance as a NET toward the mortgage or only for rent? If I enter into a mortgage, will I forfeit my eligibility for the special allowance?

briandwest · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Hong Kong

It's a Special Allowance not a housing allowance and can be spent on anything you wish.
As long as you can show that your family and social life is based outside HK you can claim the allowance.

chickens · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 7 Location: New Territories

I guess that's why I am worried- my family is all in the states, but my husband is from HK, and his family is all there, though we are currently living abroad. If we buy a house there, won't it be harder to claim that allowance?

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

You might encounter some problems if you don't have proof that the US is your normal place of residence. If you are getting the work permit and claiming your husband as your dependent then that should work in your favour.

ironopolis · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 379

Is there any time limit on the allowance? For example, if you work as a NET for a long time, are you deemed after, say, 6 years or something, to be no longer "based outside HK"?

chickens · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 7 Location: New Territories

I don't think I can claim my husband as my dependent, as he has no need for my visa at all to be there. (Born and raised in HK, just has been living with me outside of HK since we have been married)
I am still applying for the working visa on my own though, and do not have any other way to be in Hong Kong.
It seems so unclear to me about exactly what qualifies or disqualifies me for the allowance. I'm a bit frustrated.

Charlesm_888 · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 48 Location: Hong Kong

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

While that is true, it still doesn't answer the question relating to special allowance.
You will have to read the contract for the NET scheme. If you go on to hknets.org you will find the link and read the reference to eligibility for the special allowance. Normally you have to prove that your place of residence is outside Hong Kong and that your spouse is not receiving any housing allowance. I'm not sure how it applies to someone who is married to a person who is a permanent resident of Hong Kong, even if you apply for a NET job in your own right.
Be very careful that you are eligible as the EMB are not averse to taking people to court for fraud!

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

Also I don't think it matters how long you claim. Some people are still getting the allowance even though they have been granted a permanent residents visa - although this might be changed soon!

briandwest · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Hong Kong

The website anninhk mentioned is www.hkpnets.org/#NET Scheme

ironopolis · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 379

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

Yes.
It always takes a few days to get the paperwork etc done so make sure you arrive in HK with some money as it can take a couple of weeks even to get the advance on your salary. Although some schools are thoughtful and it is there waiting for the NET.

chickens · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 7 Location: New Territories

Thanks a lot for the advice. I have read that part of the contract many times and we qualify right now (both moving from abroad, husband doesn't have employment there, don't have any other special housing allowance) I was just worried that our eligibility may change if we purchase a house and we are reassessed at the end of the term if I want to renew the contract.