Claim Your Money Now If You're Over 45! Ministry of Labor Offers Up to NT$100,000 in Subsidies – Available for Both Employed and Unemployed Applicants

Many mature individuals are returning to classrooms to upgrade digital skills for career changes, develop second specializations for post-retirement side careers, or simply enrich their lives. Popular courses include computer basics, video editing, woodworking, and the latest AI and ChatGPT applications.

Under the "Employment Promotion Act for Middle-Aged and Senior Workers," the Ministry of Labor promotes various vocational training subsidy programs. Those aged 45 and above can receive up to NT$100,000 in training subsidies within three years, with certain target groups (such as middle-aged job seekers and disadvantaged groups) eligible for 100% full subsidies.

The most popular program is the "Industry Talent Investment Scheme," which provides up to NT$100,000 in training subsidies over three years for employed or unemployed individuals aged 45 and above. Specific groups, such as middle-aged re-employment seekers and vulnerable populations, may qualify for full subsidies with no out-of-pocket costs.

For example, the Ministry of Labor's Kaoping Pengdong Branch promotes the "Industry Talent Investment Scheme" to encourage employed workers to pursue further education. In the second half of 2026, it will collaborate with over 200 high-quality training institutions to offer nearly 600 in-demand training courses for employed workers in its jurisdiction, spanning diverse fields such as computer information, languages, precision machinery, tourism, catering, cultural creativity, green energy, and beauty.

In addition to high-tech and green energy industry courses, the branch offers diversified practical skill courses to meet the varied learning needs of employed workers, such as the "Event Hosting Skills Practical Course," "Electric Vehicle Mechatronics Integration Practical Course," "Air Conditioning Cleaning, Maintenance, and Basic Repair Training," "Instructor Stage Presence and Oral Expression Training," and "Plumbing and Electrical Repair Practical Course," as well as foreign language courses in Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.

### Industry Talent Investment Scheme Application Guide: 5 Required Documents and Online Registration Process

According to the Ministry of Labor, employed individuals aged 45 and above (who are insured under employment insurance, labor insurance, labor occupational injury insurance, or farmers' health insurance) can apply through the following process:

**Subsidy Amount** Trainees receive 100% reimbursement of training fees, up to NT$100,000 within three years.

**Eligibility Requirements** - Middle-aged and senior employed workers aged 45 and above (insured under employment insurance, labor insurance, labor occupational injury insurance, or farmers' health insurance) - Enrolled in diversified practical-oriented training courses offered by training institutions

**Registration and Claim Process** 1. **Membership Registration**: Register as a member on the "TaiwanJobs" website. 2. **Online Registration**: Register for courses online via the "On-the-Job Training Website." Registration typically opens one month before the course starts, and eligibility is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. 3. **Pay First, Claim Later**: Trainees must pay the training fee upfront. After successfully completing the course, the training institution assists in claiming the subsidy.

**Required Application Documents** 1. Copy of both sides of national ID card 2. Copy of the cover page of a domestic financial institution passbook in the applicant's name 3. Trainee basic information form 4. Subsidy trainee training agreement 5. Trainee subsidy application form

### Three Types of Employed Workers Not Eligible for Subsidies 1. Individuals currently receiving vocational training at government-registered training institutions (insurance records marked with "Train"). 2. Individuals who terminated employment contracts due to company downsizing and insurance cancellation, then re-enrolled in insurance at their former employer as self-payers (insurance records marked with "Layoff"). 3. Individuals who terminated employment contracts due to occupational injuries preventing work, then re-enrolled in insurance at their former employer as self-payers.

### Support for All: Government's Three Major Mid-Career Advancement Subsidy Programs

To lower learning barriers for middle-aged individuals in different career stages, the government offers corresponding subsidy programs:

- **Employed Workers (Corporate Training Subsidy)**: Promotes the "Subsidy for In-Service Employee Training by Enterprises" to encourage companies to invest in employees. The government subsidizes 70% of training costs, with a maximum of approximately NT$300,000 per company annually. - **Pre-Retirement Re-Employment Seekers**: For those approaching retirement or already retired and preparing for re-employment, the "Training Subsidy Program for Middle-Aged and Senior Workers Preparing for Re-Employment After Retirement" offers a 70% subsidy, with a maximum of up to NT$500,000 per company annually. - **Involuntarily Unemployed Workers (Full Subsidy + Living Allowance)**: Offers full tuition subsidy for pre-employment training courses and provides a "Vocational Training Living Allowance." Eligible individuals can receive 60% of their previous job's average salary during training, reducing financial pressure.

| Program Name | Target Group | Subsidy Rate / Amount Limit | Application Channel / Key Notes | |--------------|--------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Industry Talent Investment Scheme | Employed middle-aged and senior workers aged 45 and above | Up to NT$100,000 within three years (100% full subsidy for specific groups) | Apply via "On-the-Job Training Website"; pay first, claim after completion | | Enterprise Employee On-the-Job Training | Employed workers (applied by company) | 70% of training fees, up to ~NT$300,000 per company annually | Encourages corporate investment in employee training | | Post-Retirement Re-Employment Preparation Training Subsidy | Pre-retirees or retired individuals preparing for re-employment | 70% of training fees, up to NT$500,000 per company annually | Helps middle-aged workers smoothly transition to new workplaces | | Pre-Employment Training for Unemployed Workers | Involuntarily unemployed workers | 100% full tuition subsidy + 60% salary living allowance | Receive 60% of previous job's average salary as living allowance during training |

Source: 45+ Employment Resource Network