Yilan County proposes raising maternity subsidy to NT$20,000

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Yilan County Acting Magistrate Lin Mao-sheng (林茂盛) said Tuesday the county plans to roll out higher maternity subsidies and travel allowances for prenatal check-ups starting in January next year.

According to the Yilan County Government, the maternity subsidy will rise from NT$18,000 (US$560) to NT$20,000, while the travel allowance for prenatal check-ups will increase from NT$2,000 to NT$3,000. The two subsidies add up to NT$23,000.

County officials said social workers will continue visiting new mothers at home to distribute baby items and explain child care services. They will also check on the health of mothers and newborns and provide support based on each family’s needs.

Yilan County has raised its birth-related subsidies several times since 2019. It began with an NT$10,000 subsidy and an NT$1,000 travel allowance, and has gradually increased the payments each year, per the county government.

Reporters reported that 2,443 babies were born in Yilan County last year, but the number is expected to drop to around 1,945 this year. Officials said the latest proposal still requires county council approval before it can take effect.