Child subsidy limited to citizens with household registration

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said that only children with Taiwanese nationality and household registration in Taiwan will qualify for the proposed 0-to-18  allowance.

In response to challenges posed by the declining birth rate and demographic changes, the Presidential Office and Cabinet unveiled a new population growth strategy for Taiwan. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said the government plans to introduce a NT$5,000 (US$158) monthly allowance for children from birth to age 18.

Families with children aged 0 to 6 will receive the full amount in cash. For children aged 6 to 18, half will go directly to families while the remaining half will be deposited into a dedicated children's growth investment account.

Questions have since emerged over eligibility requirements and the scope of coverage. Speaking at a press conference, Shih said the portion allocated to children aged 6 to 18 would function as savings rather than being fully distributed as cash each month.

Shih said both deposits and withdrawals from the account would require recipients to hold Taiwanese nationality and maintain household registration in Taiwan. He added that the criteria mirror existing National Health Insurance eligibility rules.

Under current regulations, Taiwanese who remain abroad for more than two years without returning lose their household registration status. As a result, foreign nationals and Taiwanese residing overseas for an extended period would not qualify for the benefit.

Asked whether children who later return to Taiwan and establish household registration could still receive the allowance, Shih said authorities would cross-check records with household registration agencies. He said eligibility would begin only after both conditions are met, meaning a child registered at age 7 would start accumulating benefits from that age onward.

Shih added that if a child dies before turning 18, guardians would likely still be allowed to claim the funds. Final details will be announced after the policy guidelines are completed.