Keelung City Government has unveiled a major welfare initiative, expanding the 'Changle 65 Project' to provide a universal NT$6,500敬老礼金 to eligible seniors. Approximately 82,000 elderly residents across the city are expected to benefit. When combined with the existing NT$3,000 Mid-Autumn敬老礼金, qualifying seniors could receive up to NT$9,500 in cash before the festival.
Who Qualifies for the NT$6,500 under Keelung's 'Changle 65 Project'? Eligibility and Relaxed Conditions
Keelung City has relaxed eligibility criteria. Individuals meeting the following conditions will be included in the 'Changle 65 Project' disbursement:
- Registration Requirement: Registered as a resident of Keelung City before December 31, 2023, and have not moved their household registration out since. - Age Requirement: General citizens who will turn 65 by the end of 2026 (born on or before December 31, 1961); Indigenous elders aged 55 or older (born on or before December 31, 1971). - Program Nature: Non-means-tested and no application required—benefits are automatically issued.
Disbursement Schedule and Collection Methods! No Queuing, Direct Bank Transfer
Funds will be disbursed automatically through the following channels:
- Direct Deposit: For those who have previously registered a post office account (including those who provided an account for the Double Ninth敬老礼金) or submitted their information to district offices by August 31, the NT$6,500敬老礼金 will be directly deposited into the registered account on September 11. - Cash Collection: For those who have not provided an account, district offices will mail a notification. Seniors or their authorized relatives can collect cash in person at their household registration district office with valid identification. The collection period extends until March 11, 2027. No retroactive payments will be made after this date.
Dual Welfare Benefits! Up to NT$9,500 Deposited
The 'Changle 65 Project' runs parallel to the existing 'Three-Festival敬老慰问金.' Those already eligible for the three-festival敬老金 will receive an additional NT$3,000 Mid-Autumn敬老礼金 on September 21, bringing the total to up to NT$9,500. The city government plans to continue this welfare policy starting next year, covering the difference for Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival敬老金, ensuring eligible seniors receive a full NT$6,500 each festival.
Regarding financial concerns, Keelung City Government stated that this project was planned entirely within the framework of the 'Budget Act' and 'Public Debt Act.' The city's cumulative outstanding debt is at its lowest level in nearly 20 years, and the initiative will not crowd out existing major projects such as transportation or urban renewal. Moving forward, social welfare budgets will be sustained through industrial development and tax revenue growth.
AI-Powered Care Network! Comprehensive Elderly Support Enhanced
In addition to cash benefits, the city government has launched multiple smart care initiatives:
- 24/7 Health Consultation: A pioneering 24-hour online medical consultation platform offering real-time professional care advice. - Fall Prevention Devices for Seniors Living Alone: Distribution of integrated fall-detection devices that automatically detect falls, track location, and enable emergency alerts. - AI Smart Customer Service: The Social Affairs Bureau's official LINE account now features AI integration, providing a one-stop service for barrier-free transportation booking, senior center navigation, and social welfare inquiries.
District Office Hotlines
Citizens with questions about the program or account registration can contact the social affairs division of their respective district office during business hours:
- Anle District Office: (02) 2431-2118 - Xinyi District Office: (02) 2428-2101 - Qidu District Office: (02) 2456-6171 - Zhongshan District Office: (02) 2423-2181 - Nuannuan District Office: (02) 2457-9121 - Ren'ai District Office: (02) 2430-1122 - Zhongzheng District Office: (02) 2463-3341
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: キャンペーン