With the change of social structure, the number of single-parent families has been increasing year by year, which has become a part of Taiwan's society that cannot be ignored. As the financial pressure and parenting challenges intensify, more and more single-parent families are in urgent need of government support. 2025 will see the Social Welfare Department strengthen the implementation of the "Act on Supporting Families in Special Circumstances," providing single-parent families with a more comprehensive subsidy program that covers a wide range of aspects, such as living, education, and medical care, so that every family can find hope in the midst of adversity.
1. Definition and Requirements for Single Parent Benefit
The Single Parent Supplement (SPS) is a form of financial assistance for single-parent families, aiming at alleviating the burden of living on the family and providing a better environment for the children to grow up. The subsidy is based on the "Regulations for Supporting Families in Special Circumstances", and the following are the three basic requirements for application:
Income limit: Average monthly household income per person is less than 2.5 times the current year's minimum cost of living ($14,230 in 2023).
Consumption Limit: Average monthly household consumption expenditure per person does not exceed 1.5 times the national average ($23,513 in 2023).
Restrictions on property: Family property may not exceed the amount announced by the central competent authority.
2. 7 Situations for Single Parent Assistance
Those who meet any of the following criteria are eligible to apply:
Spouse is dead or missing for more than 6 months.
Divorce due to abandonment or abuse.
Victims of domestic violence.
Unmarried pregnancy (more than 3 months to within 2 months of delivery).
Dependent on a minor child or grandparent to support a grandchild.
Spouse has served more than 1 year.
Financial hardship due to major changes (e.g., unemployment, injury, illness, etc.).
Single-parent families can apply for as many as seven types of subsidies, which are highlighted below:
1. Emergency living support
For those who are unable to maintain a basic living due to a major accident.
Amount of subsidy: Based on the minimum cost of living for low-income households in the current year, in principle, the subsidy is for three months, and can only be applied for once for the same reason.
2. Child-related benefits
Child Living Allowance: 10% of the current year's minimum wage per month for each child under 15 years of age.
Children's education subsidy: 60% reduction in tuition and fees for high school, vocational and tertiary institutions.
Child Care Subsidy: $1,500 per month for children under 6 years old.
3. Medical and legal aid
Medical Subsidy: Those who have spent more than $30,000 on medical expenses in the past three months can apply for a 70% subsidy, with a maximum of $120,000 per person per year.
Legal aid for litigation: up to $50,000 for victims of domestic violence.
4. Start-up loan subsidy
Applicants who have reached the age of 20 can apply for a business start-up loan subsidy, the exact amount of which is subject to the announcement of the Ministry of Labor.
1. Application process
Preparation of documents: Including application form, household register, income list, copy of passbook and other relevant supporting documents.
On-site application: Submit the application at the municipal office in the township where the household is registered.
Vetting and Visits: The Social Welfare Bureau will conduct vetting and arrange for visits by social workers if necessary.
Disbursement of subsidy: After approval, the subsidy amount will be directly credited to the applicant's account.
2. Points to note
Incomplete documents may delay the review time, it is recommended to confirm the required information in advance.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can try other grants such as emergency assistance or resources from non-government foundations.
1. Aboriginal Single Parent Benefit
According to the Council of Aboriginal Peoples, Aboriginal single-parent families are eligible for the following benefits:
Death assistance: up to $20,000 for those who are responsible for their families.
Major Disaster Relief: up to $50,000 in grants.
Livelihood assistance: up to $10,000 for those who have fallen into hardship due to unemployment, imprisonment, etc.
2. Single Parent Supplement for New Residents
New resident single-parent families may apply for subsidies under the Special Circumstances Ordinance and are entitled to the following benefits:
Homecoming airfare subsidy: up to $20,000 for Asian regions and up to $30,000 for non-Asian regions.
Social assistance: Covering living, medical, and emergency assistance programs, with specific details depending on county and city regulations.
The Single Parent Supplement is not only a form of financial assistance, but also a form of social support and care for disadvantaged families. The following are the three major social meanings of the subsidy:
Relieving financial pressure: Although the amount of subsidy is limited, it can effectively alleviate the burden of living on the family and allow single parents to focus on the development of their children.
Promoting children's education: education subsidies reduce the pressure on school fees and provide children from single-parent families with more equitable access to education.
Strengthening the social safety net: Through subsidies and visits, the Government will be able to better understand the needs of single-parent families and further improve social welfare policies.
Single-parent families face many challenges, but with government subsidies and support, life can become more hopeful. If you or your family members or friends are eligible, please take the opportunity to apply for the subsidy to make your life more secure. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your local Social Welfare Bureau or call the 1957 Welfare Enquiry Hotline, so that we can work together to create a better future for every family!
