2026 Double Ninth Festival Elderly Allowance is Here! Eligible Seniors Can Receive Up to NT$50,000, Full Details on Amounts and Distribution Dates Across 22 Counties and Cities

The Double Ninth Festival, falling on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, occurs on October 18, 2026 in the Gregorian calendar. It is not only a traditional day to honor the elderly but also associated with customs such as climbing high places to ward off evil and pray for safety. As the festival approaches, various counties and cities have begun announcing their 2026 Double Ninth Elderly Allowance programs. Many residents are inquiring about when Taichung City will distribute funds, how much can be received in Tainan City, and what collection methods are available in New Taipei City. This article compiles comprehensive information on elderly allowances across all 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, including disbursement amounts, eligibility criteria, collection methods, and distribution timelines. Subsidies range from NT$1,000 to a maximum of NT$50,000.

Taipei City Elderly Allowance 2026

In 2026, Taipei City will implement its program based on the latest revised "Standards for the Distribution Amount of Double Ninth Elderly Gift Money." Seniors aged 85 to 98 will receive NT$3,000, while those aged 99 and above will receive NT$10,000, plus one gift item. Eligible recipients who qualify for bank transfers 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 will upgrade benefits for the Elderly and Love Cards, increasing monthly points to 600. Seniors who choose to receive their Double Ninth gift money via Elderly Cards or Love YouPass Cards can also participate in additional city-organized lottery events, enjoying more discounts and rewards.

### Eligibility

Individuals registered as residents of Taipei City for at least three months prior to the Double Ninth Festival (i.e., registered on or before July 18 of this year), and who will be aged 65 or older (55 or older for indigenous people) by December 31 of this year.

### Disbursement 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+ (89+ for indigenous): NT$10,000 plus one gift

### Distribution Methods (General Seniors – choose one of three)

- Bank transfer registration: From now until August 14, complete the consent form online via the Social Welfare Department website or at district offices. First disbursement on September 1. - Tap card (Elderly Card or Love Card with elderly designation): From September 7 to 18, load funds at Taipei MRT station EasyCard top-up machines, four major convenience stores, or MeiLianShe terminals. - Cash collection: From October 15 to 17, collect at designated locations announced by the district office of residence.

### For Ages 99+ (89+ for indigenous)

Funds will be transferred directly 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 transferred by the Social Welfare Department. Do not use 18% preferential savings accounts or special-purpose accounts (e.g., pension, annuity payments), as transfers will fail. Reissue applications can be made before December 31, 2026; failure to apply by then will be considered a waiver.

New Taipei City Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Individuals aged 65 or older (55+ for indigenous) in the month of the Double Ninth Festival (October 2026). Must have been registered in New Taipei City for at least one year (by the end of the festival month) and continuously registered through one month before the festival. Individuals who register death or move their household registration out of the city before or during the distribution period are not eligible.

### Disbursement Amounts

- Ages 65–79 (55 for indigenous): 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 "Financial Account Application Form for Double Ninth Elderly Gift Money" at district offices or download online. - Cash: Distributed at designated locations or delivered in person by district offices. - Online inquiry: A dedicated inquiry portal is open from June to December each year. Enter ID number and date of birth to check amount and collection method.

Keelung City Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65+ (55+ for indigenous) registered in Keelung City by one month before the festival (i.e., by September 11).

### Disbursement Amounts

- Ages 55–99 (indigenous): NT$1,000 - Ages 65–99: NT$1,000 - Ages 100+: NT$6,000 plus one gift

### Distribution Methods

- Bank transfer: After the Social Affairs Department compiles the list, funds will be directly deposited into postal savings accounts on October 7. - Cash: Those without postal accounts can present ID and seal at their household registration district office to collect in person.

### Notes

Reissue deposit date is November 7, 2026. Failure to provide postal account and related documents by the deadline will be considered a waiver.

Taoyuan City Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Citizens aged 65+ (55+ for indigenous) 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 and residing in the city.

### Disbursement 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 available upon special application and approval from the local district office. - Ages 99+: Representatives from district offices will personally deliver cash. - Ages 100+: Representatives from the Social Affairs Department or district offices will personally deliver.

Hsinchu County Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Individuals who will turn 65 by December 31, 2026, registered in Hsinchu County after August 1, 1994, continuously registered for at least 10 years as of the application date, and meet asset/income criteria (not receiving elderly welfare allowances). Seniors who applied and passed review last year are exempt from reapplying.

### Disbursement Amounts

- NT$10,000 per person

### Distribution Methods

From April 1 to September 30, 2026, prepare application form, declaration, household transcript, front page copy of postal savings passbook, personal income proof, asset list, and other documents. Bring seal and apply in person at the township/city office of residence (exempt if approved last year).

- Late July disbursement: Last year’s approved applicants and those who applied between April 1 and May 31, 2026, and passed review. - Late November disbursement: Applicants who applied between June 1 and September 30, 2026, and passed review.

### Notes

"Wealth test": Individuals with annual income exceeding NT$500,000, total land/building announced value exceeding NT$5 million, or receiving military/civil servant retirement pensions (including political appointees, public enterprise), old farmer (fisherman) welfare allowances, or veteran support payments are excluded.

Individuals who resided in Taiwan for less than 183 days in the past year, currently employed military/civil servants or public enterprise staff, government-subsidized institutionalized individuals, incarcerated persons, or those detained or imprisoned are ineligible.

Miaoli County Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Registered in Miaoli County on or before January 1, 2025 (inclusive), and meeting age eligibility by January 1, 2026 (inclusive):

- Aged 65+: Born on or before January 1, 1951 (Republic of China Year 40) - Indigenous aged 55+: Born on or before January 1, 1961 (ROC Year 50)

### Disbursement Amounts

- NT$1,000 per person

### Distribution Methods

Before the Double Ninth Festival, townships will directly deposit funds into the recipient’s personal account via bank transfer. No reapplication needed for those already registered.

After receiving the notice, complete the bank transfer consent form and attach a clear copy of the front page of your valid financial account passbook (showing name and account number). Submit to the local township office by Friday, November 28, 2025.

Seniors who completed account registration before 2025 and have been receiving funds via their personal account do not need to reapply or resubmit the consent form. For account changes, proactively contact the local township office.

### Notes

Postal or county agricultural association accounts are recommended. Special-purpose accounts (e.g., annuity, labor insurance) are not accepted.

Taichung City Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

Seniors aged 65+ (born on or before December 31, 1975), indigenous aged 55+ (born on or before December 31, 1965), registered in Taichung City by August 27, 2026.

### Disbursement 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 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 transfer, district offices will distribute from September 30 to October 19. Bring valid ID and seal.

### Notes

Unclaimed amounts, after notification by district offices, may be collected until November 30, 2026. After that, claims are forfeited. Individuals deceased or missing but not deregistered by August 27, 2026, or those who left the country and could not complete procedures during the distribution period, are not eligible.

Changhua County Elderly Allowance

### Recipients

- General households: Registered in Changhua County on or before January 1, 2026, and not moved out by the month of disbursement, aged 65+ and indigenous aged 55–64. - Welfare-eligible households: Registered on or before January 1, 2026, with eligibility confirmed and not moved out, aged 65+ and indigenous aged 55–64, and classified as low-income, middle-low income, recipients of disability living subsidies, or middle-low income elderly living allowances (including long-term care 1.5x placement).