TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Labor announced Wednesday the paid parental leave subsidy period will be extended from six to seven months, per CNA.
The ministry will amend the Employment Insurance Act, estimating more than 20,000 people will benefit from the extension. Officials project that if applicants increase by 10%, funding will rise by approximately NT$60 million (US$1.92 million) annually.
The ministry reminded that applicants must first receive the subsidy for a minimum of six months before they are eligible for one additional month.
The ministry held a press conference Wednesday to explain its women’s employment assistance program. It said that more than 93,000 individuals claimed the paid parental leave subsidy last year.
The percentage of male claimants increased from 19.99% in 2021 to 27.01% last year. The ministry estimated that approximately NT$14.38 billion was disbursed.
In 2023, female applicants for the subsidy totaled 66,857, while male applicants numbered 23,168. The ministry also reported subsidy expenditures for the year exceeded NT$13.4 billion.
The ministry said that employment insurance originally provided 60% of salary as a subsidy to applicants with children under age 3. Starting in July 2021, an additional 20% was introduced.
Parental leave can be taken for up to two years. Deputy Labor Minister Lee Chien-hung (李健鴻) hopes the policy will alleviate the financial burden on parents during their leave period.
