Lai: NT$5,000 Monthly Subsidy for Children Aged 0–18 to Launch Next Year, Urges 'Now or Never' on Childbirth

President Lai Qingde attended the 'Presidential Office and National Security Council Staff Family Day' on the 7th, where he delivered a speech ahead of Father's Day. He expressed gratitude to all fathers for supporting their families and contributing to national development across various sectors. Regarding childcare policy, he announced that the '0 to 18 Years Growth Subsidy,' providing NT$5,000 per month, has been included in the 2027 fiscal year budget and will officially launch next year.

Lai stated that tomorrow marks Father's Day, and he extended his early wishes to staff members and all fathers across the nation, thanking them for their dedication to family and national progress.

He noted that thanks to the collective efforts of the people, Taiwan's economy has performed exceptionally well in recent years. The economic growth rate for the first half of this year reached 13.72%, the best performance in 50 years for the same period. Moreover, the compilation of the central government's total budget for the next fiscal year marks the first time in 78 years that no new debt is required.

Lai emphasized that to ensure the benefits of economic growth are shared by all, the government has continuously upgraded policies on wage increases, tax reductions, expanded welfare, and reduced burdens. In May this year, the government announced the 'New Taiwan Population Strategy – Family Support Chapter,' which includes 18 measures under four strategies: 'Increased Subsidies, Reduced Burdens, Greater Flexibility, and Enhanced Care.' This transforms childcare support from a 'subsidy-based model' to a 'publicly supported model,' offering stronger support to Taiwan's younger generation.

Lai also stated that children and young people under 18 will be eligible to receive the NT$5,000 monthly '0 to 18 Years Growth Subsidy' starting next year, with funding already secured in the budget. The government is also implementing the 'Parental Leave 6+3' policy, allowing each parent to receive an additional three months of leave after completing six months of parental leave benefits. Marriage leave will be extended to 14 days, maternity leave increased from 8 to 12 weeks, and prenatal check-up and paternity leave expanded from 7 to 14 days, significantly enhancing family support.