2026 Six-Metropolitan Senior Respect Red Packet Guide! Payout Dates & Amounts for Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung—Up to $20,000 Cash

Attention families with elderly members—the Double Ninth Senior Respect red packets are coming! The 2026 (Minguo Year 115) Double Ninth Festival falls on Sunday, October 18. Applications for senior respect allowances have already opened across Taiwan’s six major cities: Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. This year, payout amounts range from NT$1,500 to NT$20,000. The first batch of payments will begin as early as September 1. To ensure seniors receive their allowances smoothly, it is essential to carefully check each city’s required “residency registration period” and “account registration deadline.” Below is a complete overview of the 2026 senior respect allowance eligibility criteria, age-based payout amounts, and in-person collection schedules for all six cities.

2026 Six-Metropolitan Senior Respect Allowance Payout Table

| City | Payout Amount | |------|---------------| | Taipei City | NT$1,500 – NT$10,000 (includes one gift; card-tap users eligible for lottery) | | New Taipei City | NT$1,500 – NT$20,000 | | Taoyuan City | NT$2,500 – NT$20,000 (NT$2,500 flat rate for ages 65–98) | | Taichung City | NT$2,000 – NT$10,000 | | Tainan City | NT$1,500 – NT$10,000 (includes gift; general senior amount increased) | | Kaohsiung City | NT$1,500 – NT$10,000 |

1. Taipei City Senior Respect Allowance

Based on the latest "Double Ninth Senior Respect Allowance Payment Standards," Taipei City has also upgraded its Elderly Care Card benefits this year. Starting in July, monthly points have increased to 600. Seniors who choose to collect their allowance via Elderly Care Card or Love iPass by tapping (“card tap”) can also participate in a special city government lottery event.

Eligibility: Must have been registered as a resident of Taipei City for at least three months prior to the Double Ninth Festival (registered on or before July 18, 2026), and must turn 65 or older (55 or older for indigenous people) by December 31, 2026.

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

Collection Methods (Choose One):

- Online/Paper Registration for Direct Deposit: Apply online via the Department of Social Welfare website or submit a consent form at a district office by August 14. First batch disbursed starting September 1.

- Tap-to-Load (Card Tap): From September 7 to 18, tap your card at MRT station EasyCard top-up machines, four major convenience stores, or MeiLianShe locations to load funds.

- In-Person Cash Collection: From October 15 to 17, collect cash at designated locations at your registered district office.

Note: Recipients aged 99+ will receive home delivery by the director-general or direct deposit. Low-income households will receive direct deposits from the Department of Social Welfare.

Important Notes: Do not use 18% preferential savings accounts or pension disbursement accounts (transfers cannot be processed). Late applications may be submitted by December 31, 2026; otherwise, the allowance will be forfeited.

[Taipei City Government Department of Social Welfare Announcement] Click here for details

2. New Taipei City Senior Respect Allowance

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older (55+ for indigenous people) in the month of the festival (October), have resided in New Taipei City for at least one year (by end of October), and maintain continuous residency through one month before the festival.

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

Collection Methods:

- Direct Deposit (Preferred): Submit the "Double Ninth Festival Senior Respect Allowance Financial Account Application Form" at a district office or download it online by August 27.

- Cash Collection: For those without bank accounts, district offices will conduct on-site distributions or home visits.

Note: A "Senior Respect Allowance Inquiry Zone" opens annually from June to December. Enter your ID number and birthdate to check your status online.

[New Taipei City Government Department of Social Welfare Announcement] Click here for details [Financial Account Application Form] Download here

3. Taoyuan City Senior Respect Allowance

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older (55+ for indigenous people) on the day of the festival, have resided in Taoyuan City for at least six months with proof of actual residence, or be a foreign national approved under the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Mackay Program residing in Taoyuan.

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

Collection Methods:

- Under Age 99: Payouts will be directly deposited into postal or designated financial accounts five days before the festival. Cash collection permitted for special cases upon approval.

- Age 99+: Representatives from district offices or the Department of Social Welfare will personally deliver cash gifts.

[Taoyuan City Government Department of Social Welfare Announcement] Click here for details

4. Taichung City Senior Respect Allowance

Eligibility: Residents aged 65+ (born on or before December 31, 1961), indigenous residents aged 55+ (born on or before December 31, 1966), and registered in Taichung City by August 27, 2026.

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

Collection Methods:

- Direct Deposit Application: Funds disbursed on October 8 (must apply online via Social Welfare Convenience Station or submit paper form at district office by August 28).

- Cash Collection: For those who did not apply for deposit, district offices will schedule distribution between September 30 and October 19. Please bring original ID and personal seal.

Important Notes: Unclaimed amounts may be collected until November 30, 2026, if notified. No payouts for individuals deceased, missing, or departed overseas before August 27.

[Taichung City Government Department of Social Welfare Announcement] Click here for details

5. Tainan City Senior Respect Allowance

Eligibility: Ages 65–99 and indigenous people aged 55–64 (must have registered residency by June 30, 2026, and maintained continuous residence); centenarians verified via MOHW Social and Family Affairs Administration registry.

Payout Amounts: - Ages 55–99 (indigenous 55–64): NT$1,500 (increased from NT$1,300) - Age 100+: NT$10,000 + one gift

Collection Method: Direct deposit on October 23. For those without accounts, district offices or village administrators will deliver cash in person. No retroactive payments for individuals overseas who have not returned.

[Tainan City Government Department of Social Welfare] Click here

6. Kaohsiung City Senior Respect Allowance

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

Payout Amounts: - Ages 65–89 (indigenous 55–64): NT$1,500 - Ages 90–99: NT$5,000 - Age 100+: NT$10,000 (delivered with personal visit and慰问 by Department of Social Welfare staff)

Collection Method: Direct deposit to registered agricultural association or post office accounts; cash delivered in person by district office staff for unregistered individuals.