Pingtung County helps 7,545 low-income families before Lunar New Year

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pingtung County Government hosted a Lunar New Year charity campaign to support low-income households across the county.

The county government said Tuesday that it worked with 67 private charities to reach 7,545 low-income households before the Spring Festival. The effort includes NT$7.54 million (US$240,000) in cash aid, NT$3.77 million worth of supplies, and about 84 metric tonnes of rice.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) said the campaign has run for 14 years and aims to make help reach people who need it most. She said long-term partners from civic groups and businesses have kept the campaign going.

Chou also announced that starting this year, several welfare subsidies can be applied for online, covering low-income households, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors. The move is meant to cut travel barriers and save time for residents in rural areas.

Reporters reported that the central government will also issue extra living allowances for 13 months to vulnerable groups, with payments starting in late January. Eligible recipients do not need to apply, as the funds will be paid out automatically.