TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare on Wednesday announced New Year measures that included increased living allowances for low- and middle-low-income households, expanded long-term care coverage, support for seniors living alone, and nationwide COVID vaccination.
For 2026, low-income households will receive an additional NT$1,000 (US$31) per person per month, while middle-low-income households will receive an extra NT$750 per month, per CNA. These payments will run from January 2026 through January 2027, totaling 13 months of benefits for an estimated 545,000 people.
In response to Taiwan entering a super-aged society, Long-Term Care Plan 3.0 will expand coverage from Jan. 1, 2026, to include two additional groups beyond the original beneficiaries. The first group comprises people of all ages with both dementia and a disability.
The second group includes individuals eligible under the Post-Acute Care program announced by the National Health Insurance Administration, who also meet Level 2 or higher long-term care needs. The ministry said these changes will improve service quality and accessibility, benefiting about 745,000 people.
The ministry will also strengthen support for seniors living alone, collaborating with the Ministry of the Interior to visit 700,000 seniors, assess their needs, and provide graded services such as meal delivery or emergency alert devices. Public awareness campaigns will also promote care for the elderly.
COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all residents aged six months and older from Jan. 1 to February 28, 2026, with potential extensions depending on uptake.
To further aid vulnerable households not covered by the main allowance increases, those with total family income between 1.5 and 2.5 times the minimum living cost per person will receive an additional NT$500 per month from January 2026 to January 2027.
This measure is expected to benefit recipients of disability living allowances, middle-low-income elderly allowances, support for disadvantaged children and youth, and emergency assistance for children in vulnerable or special-needs families.
