What Benefits Are Available for 65+ Seniors in Taichung City in 2026? 9 Key Subsidies Including Health Insurance, Elderly Allowance, and Love Cards Explained

In 2026, Taichung City's elderly benefits include health insurance subsidies, Elderly Love Cards, Double Ninth Festival gift money, and living allowances. Seniors aged 65 or older (55+ for indigenous people) who are registered residents of Taichung can receive up to NT$826 per month in health insurance subsidies, 1,000 points on their Elderly Love Card, and up to NT$10,000 in gift money during the Double Ninth Festival. Those who qualify as low-to-moderate income can receive an additional monthly living allowance of up to NT$8,329. According to announcements from the Taichung City Government Social Welfare Bureau, this article compiles the most commonly used and substantively beneficial elderly welfare policies in Taichung, clearly outlining eligibility criteria and disbursement amounts.

Taichung Elderly Benefit 1: Elderly Health Insurance Subsidy

Eligible seniors receive up to NT$826 per month in health insurance premium subsidies, supporting basic medical insurance for the elderly.

Eligibility: Aged 65 or older (55+ for indigenous people) and registered in Taichung for at least one year.

Income Limit: Total annual income from the previous year below tax filing threshold, or income tax rate of 5% or lower. Also applies if claimed as a dependent on another’s tax return.

Subsidy Amount: Up to NT$826 per month. Subsidy is provided at actual cost if below this amount; any excess must be paid by the individual.

Application Method: No application required. The city government automatically verifies eligibility annually and pays premiums directly to the National Health Insurance Administration.

Taichung Elderly Benefit 2: Low-to-Moderate Income Elderly Living Allowance

Seniors who meet low-to-moderate income criteria receive a monthly living allowance of up to NT$8,329 to help reduce daily financial burdens.

Eligibility: Aged 65 or older, registered in Taichung, and not receiving other government living subsidies or institutional care.

Asset Limits: Household per capita monthly income below 2.5 times the minimum living standard and not exceeding 1.5 times the average regional consumption expenditure. Total savings and investments not exceeding NT$2.5 million for a single person (NT$250,000 added per additional household member), and total real estate value not exceeding NT$7.5 million (exact thresholds subject to annual announcement by the Social Welfare Bureau).

Subsidy Amount: NT$8,329 per month for low-income households, moderate-income households, and those below 1.5 times the minimum living standard; NT$4,164 per month for those between 1.5 and 2.5 times the standard.

Application Method: Apply at the local district office or online via the Taichung Social Welfare Convenience Station.

Taichung Elderly Benefit 3: Elderly Love Card

Seniors holding the Elderly Love Card receive 1,000 points monthly (1,500 for indigenous people), redeemable for discounts on transportation, medical services, and sports facilities.

Eligibility: Aged 65 or older (55+ for indigenous people), registered in Taichung.

Transportation Subsidies: Full subsidy for contracted intercity buses and Taichung Metro; NT$85 discount per ride on partner taxis (increasing to NT$100 per ride starting October 1, 2026); up to NT$45 discount per ride on TRA trains at designated Taichung stations.

Medical and Sports: NT$50 deduction on outpatient co-payments at public health centers and contracted clinics; points can also be used for facilities at National Sports Centers.

Usage Reminder: Points are valid only for the current month and expire if unused; they do not carry over to the next month.

Taichung Elderly Benefit 4: Double Ninth Festival Elderly Gift Money

The Taichung City Government distributes elderly gift money annually during the Double Ninth Festival, with amounts ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 based on age brackets.

Eligibility: Seniors aged 65+ and indigenous people aged 55+, who are registered in Taichung by the annual deadline (e.g., August 27, 2026; exact date varies slightly each year, subject to official announcement).

Disbursement Amount: NT$2,000 for ages 65–89; NT$3,000 for 90–94; NT$5,000 for 95–99; and NT$10,000 for centenarians and above.

2026 Taichung Elderly Benefits Summary Table

In addition to the above four commonly used subsidies, Taichung offers additional support for seniors with special needs:

- Benefit Name: Elderly Health Insurance Subsidy - Eligibility: Aged 65+, or 55+ for indigenous people - Subsidy: Up to NT$826 per month

- Benefit Name: Low-to-Moderate Income Living Allowance - Eligibility: Aged 65+ meeting asset criteria - Subsidy: NT$4,164 to NT$8,329 per month

- Benefit Name: Elderly Love Card - Eligibility: Aged 65+, or 55+ for indigenous people - Subsidy: 1,000 points monthly (1,500 for indigenous people)

- Benefit Name: Double Ninth Festival Gift Money - Eligibility: Aged 65+, or 55+ for indigenous people - Subsidy: NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 annually

- Benefit Name: Denture Subsidy - Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income or allowance recipients with missing teeth - Subsidy: Up to NT$17,000 for partial dentures, NT$44,000 for full dentures

- Benefit Name: Home Renovation Subsidy - Eligibility: Low-income seniors aged 65+ - Subsidy: Up to NT$100,000 within 3 years

- Benefit Name: Hospital Medical and Nursing Subsidy - Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income seniors - Subsidy: Up to NT$1,800 per day for nursing, NT$150,000 annually for medical costs

- Benefit Name: Special Caregiver Subsidy - Eligibility: Caregivers of disabled seniors - Subsidy: NT$5,000 per month

- Benefit Name: Support for Isolated and Needy Seniors - Eligibility: Low-income, unsupported seniors not moderately disabled - Subsidy: Up to NT$10,000 to NT$21,000 per month

Frequently Asked Questions

### How much is the denture subsidy in Taichung? Full upper and lower dentures are eligible for up to NT$44,000 in subsidies. Applicants must be registered in Taichung, aged 65+, and qualify as low-income, moderate-income, or receive living allowances. Dental evaluation confirming need is required. An additional annual repair subsidy of up to NT$6,600 is also available.

### Is there a home renovation subsidy for seniors in Taichung? Yes, up to NT$100,000 within three years. Applicants must be low-income seniors aged 65+, registered and residing in Taichung for at least six months. Eligible renovations include roof waterproofing, barrier-free bathroom modifications, and anti-slip installations.

### Can nursing costs during hospitalization be subsidized? Yes, for seniors qualifying as low-to-moderate income. Low-income households receive up to NT$1,800 per day (NT$750 if cared for by family), with an annual maximum of NT$180,000. Subsidy amounts decrease based on income level.

### Where to apply for elderly benefits in Taichung? The health insurance subsidy requires no application and is automatically processed. Living allowances, denture, renovation, and nursing subsidies are applied for at the local district office or online via the Taichung Social Welfare Convenience Station. The Elderly Love Card must be applied for in person at district offices.