FAQs For Employees

1.	I am employed in Hong Kong by a local employer, but they have sent me to work on the Mainland. Am I covered by the MPF System during my stay on the Mainland?
	Answer:	If your employer's company is registered in Hong Kong, and you and your employer have an employment contract under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance, your employer is required to enroll you in an MPF scheme regardless of where you work.
2.	I am a part-time employee working for less than 18 hours a week. Am I covered by the MPF System?
	Answer:	If you are employed under an employment contract for no less than 60 calendar days, you are covered by the MPF System regardless of the number of hours you work. Your employer is required to enroll you in an MPF scheme.
3.	I am a director of a company. Do I need to join an MPF scheme?
	Answer:	If your appointment as a company director is under a contract of employment and you receive remuneration as an employee, then you need to enroll in an MPF scheme. However, if you are a non-executive director who is not involved in the daily operations of the company, you are not required to enroll in an MPF scheme.
4.	If I have more than one job running concurrently, does each of my employers have to enroll me in an MPF scheme?
	Answer:	Yes. Each of your employers has to do so as long as you are employed under a contract for 60 days or more.
5.	Can I choose an MPF scheme and request my employer to enroll me in that scheme?
	Answer:	Your employer has the obligation to select an MPF scheme for you. You can present your views to your employer but the final decision on which MPF scheme to join rests on your employer.
6.	If the MPF scheme in which my employer has enrolled me has more than one constituent fund, do I have the right to choose which constituent funds I want to invest in?
	Answer:	Yes. It is a right of employees to choose the constituent fund or funds in which they wish to invest their accrued benefits.
7.	How do I know whether my employer has enrolled me in an MPF scheme?
	Answer:	After your employer has enrolled you in an MPF scheme, the trustee of the scheme is required to provide you with an acceptance notice within 30 days, and a membership certificate within 60 days. In addition, the MPFA will issue a participation certificate to your employer and he is required to have it displayed at the premises where you work.
8.	Will the trustee of my MPF scheme be allowed to unilaterally terminate my participation?
	Answer:	Under the MPF legislation, the membership of a scheme member may be terminated only in accordance with the governing rules of the scheme and with the written agreement of the scheme members or the participating employer, not earlier than 60 days before the termination. Your scheme trustee, therefore, will not be able to terminate your participation in the scheme unilaterally.
9.	What information or documents will I receive from the scheme trustee after I become a scheme member?
	Answer:	You will receive from the trustee the following information: an acceptance notice; a membership certificate stating the name of the scheme, the name and address of the approved trustee of the scheme, your name and the date of the certificate; a document containing a general description of the scheme including the fees and charges payable under the scheme, particulars of the constituent funds in the scheme, name and contact details of the person to whom enquiries about contributions and related matters may be made; and an annual benefit statement containing information about the contributions paid and investment returns for the year concerned.
10.	What does the scheme trustee do when they receive mandatory contributions from my employer?
	Answer:	Your contributions will be invested in accordance with the investment portfolio selected by you. Your contributions and accrued benefits will be kept by the custodian and the trustee, and will be preserved in the scheme until you are entitled to withdraw the accrued benefits or transfer the benefits to another scheme.
11.	Who will decide on the choice of investment funds in an MPF scheme?
	Answer:	If more than one constituent fund is offered by the MPF scheme, you may choose one or more of the funds in which to invest your contributions. Your scheme trustee is required to provide particulars of the funds within 60 days of your enrolment, such as their policy regarding the kinds of securities and other assets in which the individual constituent fund may invest, the investment managers involved, and so on. You can make your own choice according to your investment objectives, personal circumstances and future plans. For example, a scheme member approaching retirement age may choose a lower risk investment product, while a younger member may choose to invest in a product with higher risks, but which may derive better investment returns.
12.	Can my employer withhold my accrued benefits arising from the employer's portion of mandatory contributions if I am dismissed due to misconduct, fraud or dishonesty?
	Answer:	No. Your employer's mandatory contributions will be vested fully as your accrued benefits in the scheme once they are paid to your scheme trustee. Your employer cannot withhold your benefits accrued from mandatory contributions, except for the express purpose of offsetting severance or long service payments that might be owed to you (see also Question 29 below). However, for voluntary contributions paid by your employer, forfeiture of benefits accrued from such contributions will be subject to the governing rules of your scheme.
13.	What happens to my accrued benefits if my employer's business is being wound up?
	Answer:	Mandatory contributions paid to the MPF schemes will be vested fully in the scheme members and kept in the schemes by the custodian under a trust arrangement. Therefore, your accrued benefits in any MPF scheme will not be affected by the closure of your employer's business.
14.	How can I recover contributions in arrears when my employer has gone bankrupt?
	Answer:	If your employer has been declared bankrupted, the contributions in arrears will become a debt due to his creditors.  The MPFA may then collect the necessary information from you and file claims with the Insolvency Officer or liquidator in accordance with the bankruptcy proceedings in the hope of recovering the default contributions for you.  In distributing the money from the realization of assets of a bankrupt, debts shall be paid in such order of priority as stipulated by law.
15.	Can I change my mind later, after I have selected my initial investment portfolio?
	Answer:	Your scheme trustee is required by law to provide you with a choice to switch your investment portfolio at least once a year. Whether you can switch investments more than once during a year is subject to the governing rules of your scheme.
16.	How do I know if the investment managers of my MPF scheme have properly invested my mandatory contributions?
	Answer:	Investment managers must be properly licensed by and registered with the Securities and Futures Commission. Trustees of MPF schemes are required to closely monitor their appointed investment managers. In addition, scheme trustees have to file regular returns to the MPFA, and the MPFA also conducts field inspections to ensure trustees and investment managers comply with the requirements of the MPF Schemes Ordinance. It is advisable that you, as a scheme member, check through your annual benefit statements to ensure contributions are invested in the funds you have chosen.
17.	How do I know how much I have accrued in my scheme?
	Answer:	Your scheme trustee is required to provide you with an annual benefit statement within three months from the end of each scheme's financial year. The statement will show the opening balance of your accrued benefits, amount of contributions made to the scheme during the year and the closing balance of your accrued benefits as at the scheme's year end. Most trustees also provide additional communication channels (e.g. internet and telephone hotline) for members to check their accounts.
18.	Can I pay contributions in excess of mandatory contributions?
	Answer:	Yes. Such contributions made by you are called voluntary contributions, and are subject to the governing rules of your scheme.
19.	What measures are there in the MPF System to safeguard my accrued benefits?
	Answer:	All MPF schemes are established under a trust arrangement, and are governed by the laws of Hong Kong. To ensure scheme members' interests are adequately protected, a three-pronged approach is adopted: Stringent approval and registration criteria To be qualified for registration, MPF schemes must meet prescribed standards. In addition, only companies and individuals having satisfied the stringent criteria on capital adequacy, financial soundness, fitness and properness, etc. will be approved as MPF trustees to manage registered schemes. On-going monitoring Scheme assets must be kept separate from those of the participating employers, trustees and other service providers. They are kept under the safe custody of qualified custodians. Scheme trustees have to submit returns, financial statements and internal control reports regularly to the MPFA. The MPFA also conducts field inspections, special audits and investigations, and may impose sanctions on trustees who have breached relevant requirements. Safety net To provide additional security and protection to scheme members, there is a "safety net" mechanism built into the MPF System. Scheme trustees have to take out adequate insurance to indemnify scheme members against losses resulting from any breach of trust or illegal conduct by MPF trustees and persons concerned with the administration of scheme assets. As a last resort, scheme members suffering from losses caused by misfeasance or illegal conduct may lodge a claim for compensation from the MPF Schemes Compensation Fund.
20.	How do I transfer my accrued benefits from one scheme to another?
	Answer:	You should fill in the "Scheme Member's Request for Fund Transfer Form" (Form MPF(S)-P(M)) and then submit it to your new scheme trustee or your new employer. The form can be obtained from your trustee or can be downloaded here.
21.	Will there be any charge for the transfer of my accrued benefits?
	Answer:	As the transfer of accrued benefits involves the redemption and acquisition of fund units, there may be a spread on the bid-offer prices. Other than this, trustees are generally not allowed to charge any fees and/or impose any financial penalties for the transfer of accrued benefits.
22.	How do I know if my accrued benefits have been properly transferred?
	Answer:	Your previous scheme trustee is required to ensure that your accrued benefits are properly transferred within 30 days after receiving your request of transfer, and will issue a transfer statement to you stating the particulars of the transfer. The trustee of your new scheme will also send you a confirmation stating the amount received from your previous scheme. Even if you retain your benefits in the existing scheme under a preserved account, you will need to check the information in the relevant documents issued by the trustees upon the transfer.
23.	Can I withdraw my accrued benefits in the MPF scheme if I am in need of money?
	Answer:	As a scheme member, you are not allowed to withdraw your accrued benefits until you reach the age of 65. Early withdrawal will only be allowed for specific circumstances such as death, total incapacity, early retirement (from the age of 60 onwards), permanent departure from Hong Kong, and small account balance (total accrued benefits not exceeding $5,000).
24.	How do I handle my accrued benefits when changing jobs?
	Answer:	If you change your job, you may opt for one of the following three ways to handle the MPF accrued benefits in your previous MPF accounts: transfer your MPF accrued benefits to the contribution account under your new employer's MPF scheme; or transfer your MPF accrued benefits to and invest through a preserved account of an MPF scheme of your own choice; or retain your MPF accrued benefits in and continue to invest through the previous scheme under a preserved account.
25.	I received a bonus after leaving service with my employer.  Would the bonus be counted as relevant income?  If yes, how should I make contributions in respect of the bonus?
	Answer:	Relevant income is the consideration expressed in monetary terms paid by an employer to an employee for the services the employee rendered.  As such, bonus makes up part of the relevant income.  If you received a bonus after leaving service with your employer, your employer should include the bonus in the relevant income of the contribution period in which the bonus is given, and calculate the amount of contributions based on the maximum and minimum levels of the relevant income.  When your employer informs the trustee of your end date of employment, he may as well advise that a bonus is to be paid to you, so that the trustee can make the necessary arrangements in handling your MPF account.
26.	How do I withdraw my accrued benefits?
	Answer:	If you have attained the age of 65, you may present your identity card (or a copy of your identity card) and a completed Claim Form for Payment of Accrued Benefits to your scheme trustee to withdraw your accrued benefits.
27.	Should I consolidate my MPF preserved accounts if I think I have too many?
	Answer:	If you have multiple preserved accounts, you may wish to consolidate them for easier management. Nevertheless, you will need to take into account a number of factors when consolidating your preserved accounts.  For example, you should take note of the timing because transfer to consolidation involves redemption of funds in which bid-offer spread may cause losses.  Also, you will have to take into consideration whether the trustee, MPF scheme, and investment portfolio that you choose fits your personal needs.
28.	If I withdraw my accrued benefits at the age of 62 on the ground of early retirement, am I allowed to enter the workforce again?
	Answer:	A scheme member aged 60 to aged below 65 who has retired and wishes to withdraw his/her accrued benefits must statutorily declare that he/she has permanently ceased employment. If you have withdrawn your accrued benefits on the ground of early retirement and wish to re-join the workforce, you will have to be enrolled in an MPF scheme again.
29.	I want to withdraw my accrued benefits on the ground of early retirement, but my HKID card only shows the year but not the exact month or day of my birth.  When will I be regarded as having attained the age of 60?
	Answer:	Under the MPF legislation, scheme members who have attained the age of 60 and have retired can apply for early withdrawal of MPF accrued benefits.  To make such an apply, simply complete the “Statutory Declaration for Claims for Payment of Accrued Benefits on Grounds of Early Retirement” form [Form MPF(S) -W(SD1)] and make a declaration in the Public Enquiry Service Centre in the District Office, then return the declaration form together with the completed “Claim Form for Payment of Accrued Benefits” [Form MPF(S)-W] to your trustee.  If your HKID card shows only the year but not the exact month or day of your birth, your trustee will regard the last day of that year as your date of birth.  If you have made a statutory declaration on your date of birth, the trustee may take that day as your date of birth.
30.	If I withdraw my accrued benefits at the age of 55 on the ground of total incapacity, can I re-enter the workforce by engaging in a different type of employment?
	Answer:	Yes. But you will have to participate in an MPF scheme again.
31.	If I work part time and my working hours are not fixed, am I classified as a "casual employee" under the MPF system?
	Answer:	No. Under the MPF System, a casual employee refers to a relevant employee who is employed only in the catering or construction industries on a day-to-day basis or for a fixed period of less than 60 days.
32.	Can my employer take accrued benefits out from my MPF account to offset the severance payment or long service payment I receive?
	Answer:	Yes. If your employer has paid you severance payments or long service payments in accordance with the Employment Ordinance, he may apply to the trustee to withdraw benefits accrued to you from his (the employer's) contribution to offset the severance payment or long service payment. If your accrued benefits attributable to the employer's contributions (taking into account any profits or losses arising from investments) exceed the amount of SP/LSP, the remaining balance must be retained in your account. On the other hand, if the accrued benefits attributable to the employer's contributions cannot fully offset the SP/LSP, the employer is required to settle the remaining SP/LSP from his own funds.
33.	What will the MPFA do if my employer does not make contributions for me?
	Answer:	If your employer does not pay the required mandatory contributions for you, your MPF trustee should report the situation to the MPFA. On receiving the trustee's report, the MPFA may impose a contribution surcharge on the employer and instigate civil action to recover the outstanding contributions and surcharges. The contribution surcharge will be fully due to you. You are also encouraged to lodge a formal complaint with the MPFA so that immediate follow up action can be taken to protect your benefits. All complaints are treated in the strictest confidence.
34.	If I withdraw my accrued benefits on the ground that I am leaving Hong Kong permanently, can I come back to work in Hong Kong again in the future?
	Answer:	Yes. But you will have to participate in an MPF scheme again. You may also want to note that the withdrawal of accrued benefits for this reason can only be made once in your lifetime.
35.	If I forget how many MPF accounts I have, what can I do?
	Answer:	You can visit the MPFA office and check how many preserved accounts you have or you may click here to download the request form and return to us in person or by mail. The MPFA keeps a centralized database of members' preserved accounts, containing information on the number of preserved accounts under a member's name and the relevant MPF scheme(s), although account details, such as account number, funds invested and account balance, are not available.