2026 Senior Respect Allowance in Six Major Cities Is Here! Seniors Can Receive Up to NT$20,000 Red Envelopes – Payout Amounts and Schedules for Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung

The 2026 (115th year) Double Ninth Festival is approaching. This year’s festival falls on October 18 (Sunday), and the Senior Respect Allowance programs in the six major cities are gradually opening for applications and disbursements! This year, the senior allowances range from NT$1,500 to a maximum of NT$20,000. To ensure your elderly family members receive this red envelope smoothly, please pay close attention to each city’s household registration duration and the “bank account registration deadline.” The first batch of payments could be directly deposited as early as September 1. Below is a comprehensive overview of the 2026 Senior Respect Allowance in the six major cities, including eligibility criteria, age-based payout amounts, EasyCard top-up options, and designated in-person pickup schedules.

Taipei City Senior Respect Allowance

For 2026, Taipei City will implement the program based on the latest revised “Standards for Double Ninth Senior Respect Allowance Disbursement.” Seniors aged 85 to 98 will receive NT$3,000, while those aged 99 and above will receive NT$10,000 plus one commemorative gift. Eligible recipients can complete online registration from now until August 14. The first batch of payments is expected to be deposited into designated accounts on September 1. Additionally, starting in July, Taipei City has upgraded benefits for the Elderly and Love Cards, increasing monthly points to 600. Seniors who choose to receive their allowance via Elderly Card or Love EasyCard can also participate in a city-hosted lottery event, enjoying additional discounts and rewards.

### Eligibility

Must have been registered in Taipei City for at least three months by the day of the Double Ninth Festival (i.e., registered on or before July 18 of this year), and be aged 65 or above (55 or above for indigenous people) by December 31 of this year.

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 55–84 (indigenous): NT$1,500 - Ages 65–84: NT$1,500 - Ages 75–88 (indigenous): NT$3,000 - Ages 85–98: NT$3,000 - Ages 99+ (indigenous 89+): NT$10,000 plus one gift

### Distribution Methods

General seniors (choose one of three):

- Bank transfer registration: From now until August 14, submit consent forms online via the Department of Social Affairs website or at district offices. First disbursements begin September 1. - Tap-to-load via Elderly Card or Love Card (with senior designation): From September 7 to 18, use EasyCard top-up machines at Taipei MRT stations, four major convenience stores, or Mei Lian She to “tap” and load funds. - In-person cash pickup: From October 15 to 17, collect at designated locations announced by the district office based on household registration.

Ages 99+ (indigenous 89+): Direct bank transfer to the senior’s designated account; gifts will be personally delivered by the district chief.

### Notes

Low- and middle-income households will have funds directly deposited by the Department of Social Affairs. Do not use 18% preferential deposit accounts or various pension payment accounts, as the allowance cannot be deposited. Reapplication is possible before December 31, 2026; failure to apply by then will be considered a waiver.

New Taipei City Senior Respect Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65 or above (55 or above for indigenous people) in the month of the Double Ninth Festival (October this year). Must have been registered in New Taipei City for at least one year by the end of the festival month, and continuously registered until one month before the festival. Individuals who register a death or move their household registration out of the city after the list is compiled and before or during the disbursement period are not eligible.

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 65–79 (indigenous 55): NT$1,500 - Ages 80–89: NT$2,000 - Ages 90–99: NT$5,000 - Ages 100+: NT$20,000

### Distribution Methods

- Bank transfer (priority): From now until August 27, submit the “Double Ninth Festival Senior Respect Allowance Financial Account Application Form” at district offices or download and complete it online. - Cash: District offices will distribute in person at designated locations or deliver to homes. - Online inquiry: From June to December each year, the “Senior Respect Allowance Inquiry Zone” is open. Enter your ID number and date of birth to check your amount and collection method.

Taoyuan City Senior Respect Allowance

### Recipients

Citizens aged 65 or above (55 or above for indigenous people) on the day of the Double Ninth Festival, registered in Taoyuan City for at least six months with proof of residence; or foreign nationals approved under the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Mackay Program who reside in the city.

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 65–98: NT$2,500 - Ages 99+: NT$20,000

### Distribution Methods

Under 99: District offices will directly deposit funds into postal or designated financial accounts five days before the festival. Cash disbursement is possible if approved by the local district office due to special circumstances.

Ages 99+: Representatives from district offices will personally deliver cash.

Ages 100+: Representatives from the Social Affairs Bureau or district offices will personally deliver the payment.

Taichung City Senior Respect Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65+ (born before December 31, 1965), or indigenous people aged 55+ (born before December 31, 1960), registered in Taichung City. Those registered by August 27, 115th year, are eligible.

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 65–89 (indigenous 55–89): NT$2,000 - Ages 90–94: NT$3,000 - Ages 95–99: NT$5,000 - Ages 100+: NT$10,000

### Distribution Methods

- Bank transfer: First disbursement on October 8, directly deposited into accounts (must apply online via Social Welfare Convenience Station or in person at district offices by August 28). - Cash: For those who did not apply for bank transfer, district offices will distribute from September 30 to October 19. Bring original ID and personal seal.

### Notes

Unclaimed amounts, after notification by district offices, may be collected until November 30, 115th year. No claims after that date. Individuals deceased or missing but not deregistered by August 27, 115th year, or those abroad unable to complete procedures during the disbursement period, are not eligible.

Tainan City Senior Respect Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65–99 and indigenous people aged 55–64 (registered by June 30 and continuously residing); centenarians (based on Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Social and Family Affairs Administration list).

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 55–99 (indigenous 55–64): NT$1,500 (increased from NT$1,300 this year) - Ages 100+: NT$10,000 plus one gift (cash presented by district chief or designated representative, plus central government gift worth up to NT$2,000)

### Distribution Methods

Bank transfer on October 23. For those without account details, district offices or village officers will distribute cash. No reissue for those overseas and not returning.

Kaohsiung City Senior Respect Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65+ (55+ for indigenous people), must have been registered in Kaohsiung City by June 30 of the current year, and not moved out by September 29.

### Payout Amounts

- Ages 65–89 (indigenous 55–64): NT$1,500 - Ages 90–99: NT$5,000 - Ages 100+: NT$10,000 (personally delivered by Social Affairs Bureau staff)

### Distribution Methods

Direct bank transfer for those who have provided farmers’ association/post office accounts; otherwise, district office staff will deliver cash in person.