Taiwan's Single-Parent Families Climb, Demand for Assistance Multiplies
As the social structure changes, the number of single-parent families has been increasing year by year, which has become a part of Taiwan society that cannot be ignored. As financial pressures and parenting challenges intensify, more and more single-parent families are in urgent need of government support. 2025, the Social Welfare Department has strengthened 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 times of hardship. What is Single Parent Assistance? Who can apply for it?
1. Definition and Requirements of Single Parent Supplement
Single Parent Supplement (SPS) is a form of financial assistance for single-parent families, aiming to alleviate the burden on families and provide a better environment for their children to grow up. It is based on the "Regulations for Supporting Families in Special Circumstances". The following are the three basic requirements for application:
Income limit: The average monthly income per person in the family is less than 2.5 times of the current minimum cost of living ($14,230 in 2023).
Consumption Limit: Average monthly consumption expenditure per person in the household should not exceed 1.5 times the national average ($23,513 in 2023).
Property Limit: The family's property must not exceed the amount announced by the central competent authority.
2. 7 situations to apply for single-parent subsidy
Those who fulfill any of the following conditions are eligible to apply:
Death or disappearance of spouse for more than 6 months.
Divorce due to abandonment or abuse.
Victims of domestic violence.
Unmarried pregnant women (more than 3 months and up to 2 months after delivery).
Unaccompanied minor children or grandparents supporting grandchildren.
Spouse serving a prison sentence for more than one year.
Financial difficulties caused by major changes (e.g., unemployment, injury, illness, etc.). What are the items of Single Parent Benefit? Read about your rights and benefits at once
Single parent families can apply for as many as 7 types of subsidies, which are highlighted below:
1. Emergency Living Supplement
Applicable to those who are unable to maintain a basic living due to a major accident.
The amount of subsidy is based on the minimum cost of living for low-income households in the current year. In principle, the subsidy is granted for three months, and can only be applied for once for the same reason.
2. Child-related subsidies
Children's living allowance: 10% of the current year's minimum wage per month for each child under the age of 15.
Children's education subsidy: 60% reduction of tuition and fees for high school, vocational and tertiary institutions.
Childcare subsidy: $1,500 per month for children under 6 years old.
3. Medical and Legal Assistance
Medical subsidies: 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: up to $50,000 for litigation expenses for victims of domestic violence.
4. Business Start-up Loan Assistance
Applicants who have reached the age of 20 can apply for a business start-up loan subsidy, the specific amount of which is subject to the announcement of the Ministry of Labor. How to apply for Single Parent Assistance? Procedure and Points for Attention
1. Application Procedure
Preparation of documents: Including application form, household register, income list, copy of passbook and other relevant documents.
On-site application: Submit the application at the municipal office of the township where the household registration is located.
Examination and visit: The Social Welfare Bureau will examine the application and arrange for a visit by a social worker if necessary.
Disbursement of subsidy: After the examination and approval, the subsidy amount will be directly transferred to the applicant's account.
2. Points to note
Incomplete documents may delay the vetting process. It is recommended to confirm the required information in advance.
If your application is not approved, you can try other subsidies, such as emergency assistance or resources from non-government foundations. Single Parent Assistance Program for Aboriginal and Newcomer People
1. Aboriginal Single Parent Benefit
According to the regulations of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal single-parent families are entitled to the following benefits:
Death assistance: up to $20,000 for those who are responsible for household expenses.
Major disaster assistance: up to $50,000 for those who are responsible for household expenses.
Livelihood assistance: up to $10,000 for those who have fallen on hard times due to unemployment, imprisonment, etc. 2.
2. New Resident Single Parent Assistance
Single-parent families of new residents can 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: covers living, medical care, and emergency assistance, etc., with specific details depending on county and municipal regulations. The social significance of single parent subsidies
Single parent subsidies are not only financial assistance, but also social support and care for disadvantaged families. The following are the three major social meanings of the subsidy:
Reducing financial pressure: Although the amount of subsidy is limited, it can effectively alleviate the burden of families so that single parents can focus on the development of their children.
Promote children's education: The education subsidy reduces the pressure of tuition fees and allows children from single-parent families to have a fairer chance to receive education.
Strengthening the social safety net: Through subsidies and visits, the government can better understand the needs of single-parent families and further improve social welfare policies.
Support and warmth for every family
Single parent families face many challenges, but with government subsidies and support, life can become more hopeful. If you or your relatives 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!
