To encourage businesses to continue employing experienced senior workers approaching retirement age and ensure stable workforce allocation, the Ministry of Labor has launched the 'Subsidy Program for Continued Employment of Senior Workers.' Under this program, employers who retain one qualified senior worker can receive subsidies for up to 18 months, with a maximum subsidy amount of NT$258,000 per person.
According to the Taoyuan-Chuhuo-Miaoli Branch Office, the program in fiscal year 2027 (116th year) targets workers born in 1962 (Republic of China Year 51). The application period runs from September 1, 2026 (ROC Year 115) to August 31, 2027 (ROC Year 116). Eligible organizations can apply through an online system or by submitting documents in person or via mail to public employment service agencies. The branch office urges qualifying employers to apply promptly.
Centered on the principle of 'extending employment and creating mutual benefits,' the 'Continued Employment of Senior Workers Subsidy Program' aims to help businesses stably retain experienced talent while enhancing the labor participation rate among older adults.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subsidy
Starting each year on September 1, businesses may apply for subsidies for employees who will turn 65 in the following year.
Eligible applicants include private enterprises, non-governmental organizations (excluding political groups and parties), and private schools that are registered employment insurance employers.
Employers must demonstrate a willingness to continue employing workers reaching age 65 and meet all of the following conditions:
1. The number of workers aged 65 or older being retained must meet a specified ratio (ratios and calculation methods detailed in the attachment). Workers must have been continuously employed for at least three months by the end of the year prior to turning 65; otherwise, they will not be counted toward the required retention ratio. 2. The continued employment period must last at least six months. 3. The salary during the continued employment period must not be lower than the original salary.
※ All the above conditions must be met at the time of subsidy application.
Application Timeline
1. For workers born in ROC Year 51 (1962), the application period is from September 1, 2026 (ROC Year 115) to August 31, 2027 (ROC Year 116). 2. The program follows a rolling mechanism: for example, workers born in ROC Year 52 (1963) can be applied for between September 1, 2027 (ROC Year 116) and August 31, 2028 (ROC Year 117), allowing businesses to plan their mid-to-long-term workforce strategies in advance.
Application Thresholds and Subsidy Disbursement Mechanism: Industry-Specific Retention Ratios
Applying organizations must meet the 'Senior Worker Retention Ratio' requirement specific to their industry category. Once approved, full disbursement begins upon meeting the continued employment criteria.
### Industry-Specific Retention Ratios
- **20% or higher**: 4 industries including telecommunications and information services. - **25% or higher**: 13 manufacturing industries such as machinery and equipment manufacturing, plus construction, transportation and warehousing, accommodation and food services—totaling 22 industries. - **30% or higher**: All other industries not listed above.
### Subsidy Amounts and Disbursement Schedule
After approval, employers may apply once a worker reaches age 65 and has been continuously employed for at least six months:
- First 6 months: NT$13,000 per month. - Months 7 to 18: NT$15,000 per month. - Maximum subsidy duration: 18 months. The total maximum subsidy per worker is NT$258,000.
How to Apply
- **Online Application**: Visit the 'Employment Services Website for Middle-Aged and Senior Workers,' register an account, then click 'Online Application → Subsidy Application for Continued Employment of Senior Workers'. - **Paper Application**: Submit in person or by mail to public employment service agencies. For mailed applications, the postmark date will serve as the official submission date.
Summary Table: 2026 Ministry of Labor 'Continued Employment Subsidy for Senior Workers'
| Item | Details | |------|---------| | Maximum Subsidy Amount | Up to NT$258,000 per eligible worker | | Target Group for FY2027 (116) | In-service workers born in ROC Year 51 (1962) | | Application Period | September 1, 2026 (ROC 115) to August 31, 2027 (ROC 116) | | Application Channels | Online system, or in-person/mail submission to public employment service agencies | | Industry Retention Requirements | • 20%: 4 industries including telecom and IT services • 25%: 13 machinery manufacturing industries, construction, transport & warehousing, accommodation & dining – 22 industries total • 30%: All remaining industries | | Payment Schedule | Apply after 6 months of continued employment: • First 6 months: NT$13,000/month • Months 7–18: NT$15,000/month (up to 18 months) |
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: How is the subsidy disbursed under the 'Continued Employment of Senior Workers Subsidy Program'?**
A: After approval, employers may apply once the worker turns 65 and has been continuously employed for at least six months. The first six months receive a monthly subsidy of NT$13,000; from the seventh to eighteenth month, the monthly subsidy increases to NT$15,000. With a maximum duration of 18 months, the total subsidy per worker can reach up to NT$258,000.
**Q2: If a company wishes to apply for the continued employment subsidy for employees born in ROC Year 52 (1963), when can they start applying?**
A: The program opens annually on September 1 for applications regarding employees turning 65 in the following year. Therefore, the application period for workers born in ROC Year 52 is from September 1, 2027 (ROC Year 116) to August 31, 2028 (ROC Year 117).
Source: Taoyuan City Government Employment and Vocational Training Service Office
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: キャンペーン