Hualien City Lowers Age for Senior Cash Gift to 65, Benefiting Over 20,000

(CNA, Hualien, May 18, reporter Li Hsien-feng) To promote welfare policies for the elderly, through the efforts of the Hualien City Office and Representative Council, an amendment to the self-governing ordinance for the Double Ninth Festival cash gift for seniors has been successfully advanced. The eligibility age for the Hualien City Double Ninth Festival cash gift will be lowered from the original 70 years old to 65, allowing more seniors to benefit. According to statistics from the Hualien City Office's Social and Labor Affairs Section, before the age reduction, the number of people eligible for the cash gift was 13,540. After this year's amendment, it is estimated that an additional 7,664 seniors aged 65 and over will benefit, bringing the total number of recipients to 21,204. The required funding is approximately NT$14 million, with the hope of expanding care to more senior citizens and implementing policies that honor the elderly. Mayor Wei Chia-yen stated that he will continue to fight for more benefits for the elderly in the future and will work with his administrative team to study various age-friendly policies. He also thanked the Representative Council for their suggestions and support, stating that they will continue to work towards the goals of upgrading welfare and creating an age-friendly city to build a happier and more livable Hualien. The Hualien City Office reminds eligible seniors who have not yet applied for bank transfer to do so at the Social and Labor Affairs Section of the Hualien City Office or at their local village offices. Once the application is complete, the funds will be directly deposited into their accounts on the distribution day. The gift amounts are NT$600 per person for ages 65 to 79, NT$800 for ages 80 to 89, NT$1,200 for ages 90 to 99, and NT$6,000 for those 100 years and older. (Editor: Li Shu-hua)