Taipei to raise childcare subsidy by NT$3,000 starting in July

台北市將於7月起將托育補助增加3,000台幣。

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Tuesday that Taipei will raise subsidies for contracted childcare services by NT$3,000 (US$94) starting in July to ease costs for families.

CNA reported that subsidies for government-subsidized private daycare centers, private nurseries, and home-based caregivers will increase from NT$5,000 to NT$8,000 per month. Chiang said the subsidy will be the highest in Taiwan and could cover childcare costs for second children and beyond.

Chiang said the measure is part of a broader plan to support families and encourage higher birth rates. He added that the city aims to reduce costs and the challenge of finding reliable childcare.

Taipei City Government said it will add 16 public daycare centers and about 620 new child-care spots by year-end. Officials said the move aims to ensure every school has access to a public childcare facility.

UDN reported that the city will also expand temporary childcare service sites to 45 in June. Starting in September, parents of infants aged six months to one year will receive vouchers for eight hours of free temporary childcare, worth about NT$1,600.

The city’s social welfare department said the subsidy increase will require an additional NT$98 million this year. Officials said more than 8,000 children are expected to benefit.