For families caring for elderly members requiring long-term support, monthly expenses of NT$30,000 to NT$40,000 for institutional care and equipment often become a heavy financial burden. To address this, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) continues its strong support for long-term care (LTC) families in 2025 (Year 115), maintaining a maximum subsidy of NT$120,000 for users of residential care institutions and fully eliminating the asset test. Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, the MOHW officially introduces Japan’s model with the new 'LTC 3.0 Smart Technology Assistive Devices Full Rental' program, providing a dedicated budget of up to NT$60,000 every three years, allowing equipment to be flexibly replaced based on the elder’s condition, significantly reducing the burden of one-time purchases. This article outlines the latest LTC subsidy eligibility, required documents, and application procedures to help you smartly reduce caregiving expenses.

Who Qualifies for the NT$120,000 Institutional Subsidy? Focus on 7 Types of Institutions and '2 Key Eligibility Criteria'

The MOHW states that residents who stay in one of the following seven legally established residential LTC institutions and meet one of the two eligibility criteria below can apply for annual accommodation subsidies:

Eligibility Criterion 1 (New Residents): Evaluated by local government LTC management centers as having a Care Needs Level (CMS) of Grade 4 or higher, or holding a moderate-to-severe disability certificate.

Eligibility Criterion 2 (Existing Resident Protection): Residents who were already living in an institution before January 1, 2023 (Year 112), and continue to reside there through 2025 (Year 115). (Residents not assessed or assessed below Grade 4 can still apply for the existing protection subsidy.)

💡 List of 7 Eligible Institution Types:

General nursing homes, psychiatric nursing homes, elderly welfare institutions (excluding nursing beds), disability welfare institutions, Veterans’ Homes (limited to self-paid beds for disabled or dementia care), child and youth placement and care institutions (limited to those with disability certificates), and residential LTC service institutions.

What if You Stay Less Than 180 Days? Understanding the 'Monthly Verification' Refund and Payment Mechanism

This institutional subsidy is calculated based on the 'actual number of days stayed' between January 1 and December 31, 2025:

Stayed 180 days or more (full payment): NT$120,000 paid in a lump sum for those meeting Criterion 1; NT$60,000 for those meeting Criterion 2 (existing cases).

Stayed less than 180 days (monthly payment): A monthly verification system is used. If the resident stays at least half of the calendar days in a given month, they receive 1/12 of the total amount. New-eligibility applicants receive NT$10,000 per month; existing residents receive NT$5,000 per month.

When Will 2025 Subsidy Applications Open? Prepare These 4 Essential Documents in Advance to Avoid Delays

Regarding the application timeline for the 2025 accommodation subsidy, the MOHW reminds the public that administrative procedures are currently underway, and the specific application dates will be officially announced later—not starting directly on July 1. It is recommended to refer to previous phased application models and prepare the following 'four core documents' in advance:

1. Original application form (including photocopies of the applicant’s ID card front and back and bank passbook).

2. Photocopy of the institution’s residency contract.

3. Photocopy of payment receipts (or invoices) during the residency period.

4. Official document certifying the LTC needs level, or a valid disability certificate photocopy.

Once the application period is announced, eligible individuals can either委托 the institution they reside in to submit documents collectively or personally deliver them to the local Long-Term Care Management Center.

LTC 3.0 New System Launches! 'Rent, Don’t Buy' Smart Assistive Devices—NT$60,000 Subsidy Every 3 Years

In addition to institutional subsidies, the 'LTC 3.0 Smart Technology Assistive Devices Full Rental' program, officially launching on July 1, 2025, is a game-changer for home caregivers. Traditionally, purchasing assistive devices outright often led to expensive equipment becoming obsolete as elders’ conditions improved through rehabilitation.

The new system introduces 17 smart technology products across five areas: mobility, transfer, bathing and toileting, home care beds, and safety monitoring. Families no longer need to make large upfront purchases and can dynamically replace devices based on care needs.

Subsidy Amount: A dedicated rental allowance of up to NT$60,000 every three years (including up to NT$20,000 for home accessibility improvements).

Dual-track system—choose one: The existing traditional assistive device purchase and rental allowance (NT$40,000 every three years) remains available, allowing families to choose flexibly based on their budget.

How to Apply for Smart Assistive Device Subsidy? 3-Step Process Guide

To apply for the latest smart assistive device rental subsidy for your elderly family member, follow this standard operating procedure:

Step 1 [Call the Hotline]: Directly dial the government’s official 1966 LTC service hotline or contact your local 'Long-Term Care Management Center' to register.

Step 2 [Disability Assessment]: After the application is accepted, the case must pass a professional assessment confirming a LTC needs level (CMS) of Grade 2 or higher.

Step 3 [On-site Expert Evaluation]: A 'Class A Assistive Device Evaluator' dispatched by the local government will visit the home to assess whether the individual’s physical condition is suitable for the device. After obtaining the 'Assistive Device Evaluation Report' from the expert, you can sign a rental contract with an accredited vendor and directly enjoy the government’s subsidy deduction.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News