Ministry of Labor Launches 'Cross-Region Employment Allowance'! Eligible Individuals Can Receive Up to NT$60,000 – Monthly Payments Available

To reduce the economic burden on individuals seeking employment or working in different regions, Taiwan's Ministry of Labor has launched the 'Cross-Region Employment Allowance.' Eligible individuals can receive up to NT$30,000 in relocation assistance and an additional monthly rental subsidy of NT$5,000 for up to 12 months, allowing a maximum total benefit of NT$60,000. Below is a complete guide to the disbursement amounts and application process.

Four Subsidy Categories Under the Cross-Region Employment Allowance

The Cross-Region Employment Allowance, introduced by the Ministry of Labor, aims to help job seekers smoothly relocate and stabilize their employment. The program includes four main types of subsidies:

1. Job-Seeking Transportation Subsidy For individuals actively seeking employment, this subsidy covers public transportation fares incurred during job interviews. Applicants may claim up to two trips per month.

2. Cross-Region Employment Transportation Subsidy Issued based on the distance between the workplace and the applicant’s usual residence, available for up to 12 consecutive months: - Over 30 km but less than 50 km: NT$1,000 per month - Over 50 km but less than 70 km: NT$2,000 per month - Over 70 km: NT$3,000 per month

3. Relocation Subsidy A one-time payment of up to NT$30,000.

4. Rental Subsidy NT$5,000 per month, payable for up to 12 months, with a maximum total of NT$60,000.

Application Deadlines

1. Job-Seeking Transportation Subsidy Must be applied within 30 days from the month the job-seeking activity occurred.

2. Cross-Region Employment Transportation Subsidy First application must be submitted within 90 days from the date of completing 30 consecutive days of employment. Subsequent applications must be filed within 90 days after every three full months of continuous employment.

3. Relocation Subsidy (Moving Assistance) Must be applied within 90 days from the date of relocation.

4. Rental Subsidy Initial application must be submitted within 90 days from the date of both employment commencement and rental agreement signing. Subsequent applications must be filed within 90 days after every three full months of continuous employment and tenancy.

Eligibility Criteria: Three Qualifying Groups

To apply for the Cross-Region Employment Allowance, applicants must meet one of the following three criteria and have a commuting or relocation distance exceeding 30 kilometers from their usual place of residence to the workplace:

- Unemployed Senior: Individuals aged 55 or older. - Unemployed Youth: Job seekers aged 29 or younger. - Involuntarily Separated Worker: Individuals who lost their jobs not by personal choice.

### Important Note

Individuals currently receiving 'Unemployment Benefits' from the Employment Service Centers of the Workforce Development Agency are not eligible to apply for the Cross-Region Employment Allowance simultaneously. Unemployment Benefits are designed to support basic living expenses during unemployment, while the Cross-Region Employment Allowance specifically offsets additional costs arising from working in a different region. These programs serve different purposes and cannot be received concurrently.

Application Process: 4 Steps

1. **Employment Registration** Register as a job seeker at any local Employment Service Center operated by the Ministry of Labor’s Workforce Development Agency or at government-commissioned public employment service institutions.

2. **Prepare Supporting Documents** Complete the application form and gather required documentation (e.g., public transit tickets, official invoices from moving companies, photocopies of rental agreements).

3. **Submit Application In-Person or Online** Submit your documents to the original registration center for review.

4. **Review and Disbursement** Upon approval, the subsidy will be directly deposited into the applicant’s designated bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q1: Can I use the transportation subsidy to cover fuel costs for driving my own car?** No. According to Ministry of Labor regulations, transportation subsidies are limited to public transportation only (physical tickets or purchase proof required). Fuel costs for private vehicles or motorcycles are not eligible for reimbursement.

**Q2: Where can I obtain the application forms?** Application forms are available for download on the official website of the 'Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor,' or you can collect paper copies in person at any local Employment Service Center or employment service institution.

**Q3: Am I automatically eligible just because I work across county lines?** Not necessarily. The primary criterion for the Cross-Region Employment Allowance is whether the actual commuting or relocation distance exceeds 30 kilometers. Even if you work across counties, if the distance between your household registration address and workplace is less than 30 kilometers, you do not qualify.

**Q4: What is the application deadline?** In principle, each subsidy must be applied for within 30 days from the month employment began. Applicants are strongly advised to prepare necessary documentation (such as clearly identifiable tickets and detailed invoices) early to avoid missing deadlines or losing eligibility due to incomplete paperwork.