TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei will roll out a new program that offers long-term service bonuses to full-time professional staff working in six types of care facilities starting in March.
The Department of Social Welfare (DOSW) announced that eligible personnel, including nurses, social workers, caregivers, and life service staff, will receive an annual bonus of NT$15,600 (US$476) after one year of service. The bonus amount increases with tenure, reaching up to NT$62,400 per year after seven years.
The program also provides bonuses for operators employing full-time professionals. Subsidies range from NT$8,400 to NT$33,600 annually based on employee tenure.
The initiative is to encourage businesses to improve working conditions and foster stable workplace environments through public-private collaboration.
The program covers six types of care facilities:
- Residential institutions for individuals with disabilities
- Daytime care centers
- Long-term care daytime centers
- Community daytime work facilities
- Community residences
- Community-based daytime care services
Taipei's aging population is growing faster than the national average. In January 2022, the city became a super-aged society, with people aged 65 and older surpassing 20% of the total population.
According to DOSW statistics, Taipei currently has 88 disability care facilities with over 900 full-time professionals. The city aims to expand this number to 130 by 2031 through social housing projects and the repurposing of public spaces, further strengthening support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
DOSW Director-General Yao Shu-wen (姚淑文) emphasized that disability care facilities and professional teams are essential support pillars for individuals with disabilities. The pilot program is scheduled to run through 2031.
