Latest Update on Elderly Farmer Subsidy Increase: Will Monthly Payout Reach NT$15,000? Full Breakdown of Adjustment Plans, Eligibility, and Payment Schedule

According to the disbursement schedule issued by the Labor Insurance Bureau under the Ministry of Labor, three benefit payments—'National Pension Insurance Senior Basic Guaranteed Annuity,' 'National Pension Insurance Indigenous Benefits,' and 'National Pension Insurance Maternity Allowance'—were credited today (24th). In addition to these sequential annuity disbursements, farmers and fishers across Taiwan are receiving significant news: the current monthly elderly farmer allowance of NT$8,110 is under active discussion for an increase due to inflation and rising living costs. With cross-party consensus forming and the new legislative session commencing on September 29, this livelihood bill, crucial to farmers’ welfare, stands a strong chance of passing its third reading swiftly.

Executive Yuan vs. Blue-White Caucuses: Divergent Subsidy Increase Proposals Regarding amendments to the elderly farmer allowance, the Executive Yuan and Legislative Yuan caucuses have put forward different enhancement plans. The final amount will be determined through negotiations in the new legislative session.

Executive Yuan Proposal (Increase to NT$10,000) The Executive Yuan recently approved an amendment draft to the 'Temporary Regulations on Welfare Allowances for Elderly Farmers,' proposing to raise the monthly allowance from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000. For the first time, it introduces a flexible mechanism: if two years have passed and the cumulative CPI growth reaches 3%, a review will be triggered. The additional budget will be fully covered by the central government. Premier Cho Jung-tai has pledged that once the bill passes its third reading, it will take effect retroactively from July 1, 2026.

Legislative Yuan Blue-White Caucus Proposal (Increase to NT$15,000) The Kuomintang caucus and the Taiwan People's Party caucus argue for stronger support, proposing to directly increase the elderly farmer allowance to NT$15,000 per month.

Eligibility Criteria for Elderly Farmer Allowance: Differences Between Farmers and Fishermen To apply for the elderly farmer allowance, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have household registration in Taiwan, and have resided in Taiwan for more than 183 days each year over the past three years. Additionally, the qualification criteria differ between farmers and fishermen:

1. Farmer Eligibility - Full Amount: Applicants must hold valid Farmer’s Health Insurance (FHI) status at the time of application, with cumulative FHI coverage of 15 years or more. - Half Amount (Transitional Provision): Those who were enrolled in FHI before July 17, 2014, without interruption, and have coverage of at least six months but less than 15 years, may receive half the allowance.

2. Fisherman Eligibility Applicants must be Class A members of a fishery association, with cumulative membership of 15 years or more. They must generally have joined the Labor Insurance system before November 12, 1998, without any break in eligibility, and have already received Labor Insurance retirement benefits. (Note: The half-amount transitional provision does not apply to fishermen.)

Exclusion Clause Reminder: Recipients cannot simultaneously receive other government-issued living allowances during the same period. They also generally cannot receive retirement benefits from public service insurance, private school insurance, labor insurance, military insurance, or national insurance—unless they had continuous FHI coverage before November 12, 1998.

How to Apply for the Elderly Farmer Allowance: Required Documents, Online Application, and Monthly Disbursement Date The elderly farmer allowance offers two application channels—'in-person' and 'online.' Once approved, payments are made monthly.

1. Application Channels and Required Documents - In-Person Application: In the month of eligibility, applicants should bring their original national ID card, personal seal, and a bankbook from the agricultural or fishery credit department (or designated financial institution/post office) at their registered residence to submit documents at their local grassroots farmers’ or fishers’ association. - Online Application: Applicants can use a 'Natural Person Certificate' or 'Mobile Phone Authentication' to log into the Labor Insurance Bureau’s e-Service System, complete the online form, and submit it. (For fishermen, the affiliated fishery association will conduct preliminary review within one month after online submission.)

2. Monthly Disbursement Date and Account Change Notices - Disbursement Date: The allowance is credited on the 20th of each month to the designated account. If the 20th falls on a holiday, payment is made earlier. To change the payout account, applications must reach the Labor Insurance Bureau by the 5th of the month to take effect that same month; late submissions will be effective the following month. - Inheritance Reporting: If a recipient passes away, legal heirs must report the death to the farmers’ or fishers’ association within 30 days with a death certificate. Unclaimed funds may be legally claimed by heirs upon submission of an affidavit.