TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor on Wednesday announced plans to remove the current 65-year age limit for employment insurance participation.

The proposed amendment to the Employment Insurance Act aims to encourage continued workforce participation and provide financial protection for older employees. Under the revised rules, workers over 65 who are still employed and have not yet claimed old-age benefits from labor or public insurance would become eligible for employment insurance, according to CNA.

Employment insurance provides financial support for workers in various situations, including involuntary unemployment and parental leave. Last year, more than 50,000 workers over 65 were covered by labor insurance but were excluded from employment insurance due to the age limit, according to UDN Money.

The ministry also plans to shorten the waiting period for unemployment benefits from 14 days to seven days after job referral. The adjustment aligns with international standards and allows faster access to financial assistance, easing the economic pressure on unemployed workers, Insurance Director Chen Mei-nu (陳美女) said.

Parental leave benefits will also be expanded. Currently, both parents caring for their own children can receive up to six months of leave benefits under employment insurance.

The new provision allows both parents raising the same child to each receive an additional month of benefits if they have already used their full six months. According to last year’s data, about 22,000 people are expected to benefit from the extra month of support.

Chen noted that policies encouraging older workers to remain employed may increase the risk of involuntary job loss. She added that expanding unemployment benefits and removing the 65-year age limit will help strengthen job security for older employees.