As the 2022-2023 budget promised, the Consumption Vouchers Scheme (CVS) 2022, with a total worth of $10,000, entered its Phase I on 7 April 2022. Eligible Hong Kongers who had registered for CVS 2021 can receive $5,000 consumer vouchers directly from their registered stored value facility (SVF) accounts. The remaining $5,000 will be issued in Phase II. New applicants may register when Phase II of the CVS 2022 is launched. Details to be announced later in mid-2022.
Phase I of the Consumption Vouchers Scheme 2022
For eligible people who used AlipayHK, Tap & Go, and WeChat Pay HK to receive their vouchers, $5,000 will be issued directly to their accounts. Vouchers will be valid until 31 October 2022.
For those who have opted to receive their vouchers via their Octopus Card, note that due to the stored value limit of $3,000, you can tap your cards several times to collect your vouchers instead. Remember to spend the first $4,000 of your vouchers by 31 October 2022 and collect the remaining $1,000 by 16 November 2022. Note that the Octopus Card can identify and separate the consumption vouchers from your initial savings, so make sure to spend the eligible vouchers first to collect the remaining vouchers. If you would like to check your spending record, you may visit their official website.
Note that you cannot change your SVF accounts in Phase I. In other words, you must collect the vouchers using the same electronic wallet you used for CVS 2021 for Phase I. In Phase II, it is believed that you can change to another electronic platform. Details to be released later in mid-2022.
What should I do if I am a new applicant for CVS 2022?
While the CVS 2021 will not be reissued, new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can register for CVS 2022 and receive their $10,000 vouchers in Phase II. The eligibility of new applicants will also be announced ahead of the second phase. Details to be announced later by the Government in mid-2022.
What should I do if I have lost or invalidated my Stored Value Facility accounts?
For eligible people who used AlipayHK, Tap & Go, and WeChat Pay HK to receive their vouchers:
Try reinstalling your relevant mobile app or reactivate your accounts first.
You may also contact the following hotlines or visiting their websites:
- AlipayHK (Phone: 2245 3201)
- Octopus (Phone: 2969 5500)
- Tap&Go (Phone: 2888 0000)
- WeChat Pay HK (Phone: 3929 1666)
If you are unable to amend your record before 7 April 2022, you should amend your record as soon as possible by filling the form here:
For eligible people who used AlipayHK, Tap & Go, and WeChat Pay HK to receive their vouchers, you should receive your vouchers via your newly registered accounts within 14 days after successfully updating your information.
For eligible people who receive their vouchers via Octopus Card, and their cards have been lost or refunded:
You can amend your record through the official website (CVS Relink Octopus Card) and link to another Octopus card to receive the vouchers.
You should receive your vouchers via your new Octopus card within one month after successfully updating your information.
Despite which electronic wallets you choose, remember to check your SMS frequently to see when you can receive the vouchers. You should also collect your vouchers on or before 31 December 2022.
What should I do with my vouchers?
The Government encourages people to spend their vouchers at local retail, catering, and other service outlets, but NOT:
- Government Bills (e.g., Tax, Fines, Licence fees, Tunnel fees, etc.)
- Utility Bills (i.e., Water, Electricity, and Gas)
- Payments to public organizations (e.g., Public Hospitals. etc.)
- School Fees
- Financial products or services (e.g., Insurance)
- Donation
- Direct purchases from overseas companies (including online purchases on overseas platforms)
- Person to person payments
- Encashment
Controversies regarding the vouchers
As the pandemic continues, 15,782 businesses closed in January and February 2022 alone, and the jobless rate rose to 4.5% in March 2022.
Lawmakers, politicians, and social workers have expressed concerns over the scheme’s effectiveness in mitigating the suffering experienced by local businesses due to the fifth wave and the dine-in ban.
The scheme has also been accused of overlooking the needs of low-income workers. For low-income workers, paying their bills is of more importance than buying groceries with their vouchers. Local non-governmental organizations, charities, and other social groups have pointed out that the consumption vouchers may only help chain businesses or large corporations, but not those who are forced to close their businesses and those who are unemployed.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan addressed these concerns in a press conference. He said that by extending the validity period of the vouchers to six months, citizens can use their vouchers for transportation, groceries, daily necessities, etc., and money saved from these daily expenses can be used to pay their bills instead. He emphasized that CVS was rolled out with the intention to stimulate the local economy, so consumption vouchers should be spent on local merchants.