TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare revealed more details about President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) proposed NT$5,000 (US$158) monthly child subsidy program for children up to age 18.
Lai previously proposed a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for children from birth to age 18. The ministry said the subsidy would be provided in addition to the existing NT$5,000 monthly allowance for children from birth to age two, bringing the total monthly support for that age group to NT$10,000, per CNA.
Under the current proposal, children ages six to 18 would receive half of the subsidy in cash, while the other half would be deposited into a youth future fund. The ministry estimated the annual cost of the program at approximately NT$200 billion.
Deputy Health Minister Lu Chien-te (呂建德), speaking to the media Wednesday evening, said the initial plan is to distribute the allowance universally, without income or wealth restrictions, in line with international trends. Lu said countries, including Sweden, provide subsidies for children ages six to 16, while Germany and Japan offer child support programs up to age 18.
MOHW Social and Family Affairs Administration Director Chou Tao-chun (周道君) said the proposal to divide the subsidy between cash and a future fund is intended to help establish a child’s first source of capital, per CNA.
Chou said officials hope the funds can later be used for entrepreneurship, higher education, and other long-term goals after recipients turn 18. “Of course, we don’t want this money to be used for gaming or online games,” Chou said.
The Social and Family Affairs Administration said in a press release that it plans to coordinate with other ministries to establish a more stable, broad-based, and sustainable family support system.
The administration noted that income-based eligibility restrictions for existing childcare allowances were removed in January 2023.
