Executive Yuan to Propose NT$5,000 Growth Allowance Plan Next Week, Seeks Legislative Support

(CNA, Taipei, 21st, by reporter Chen Chun-hua) Regarding President Lai Ching-te's proposal for a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 per person for individuals aged 0 to 18, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tun-han said today that the Executive Yuan expects to present a complete plan as early as next week. He expressed hope that the Legislative Yuan will discuss and pass it promptly, allowing it to be implemented as early as next year. He added that the budget involves a certain degree of legislative amendment and hopes for the Legislative Yuan's support. In his speech marking two years in office yesterday, President Lai stated that to address the issue of a low birth rate, the government has decided to provide a growth allowance for those aged 0 to 18, at NT$5,000 per person per month, with an annual budget of approximately NT$200 billion. The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that for children aged 0 to 2, the existing childcare subsidy starting at NT$5,000 will be supplemented by a NT$5,000 cash growth allowance, totaling at least NT$10,000. For those aged 6 to 18, half will be saved for a future fund, and half will be disbursed as cash. The Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee invited Chang Tun-han and others today to review the Executive Yuan's portion of the central government's general budget for the fiscal year 115 (2026). In an interview before the meeting, Chang stated that the family support plan will cover childbirth, parenting, childcare, education, the workplace, and housing to reduce the burden on all families and increase care measures. A preliminary inventory includes 18 countermeasures, some new and some extensions of existing policies with additional funding. The Executive Yuan expects to propose the complete plan as early as next week, hoping for swift discussion and passage in the Legislative Yuan for implementation as early as next year. Chang said the plan has been under consideration for a long time and aims to address challenges through a new population strategy. Suggestions from the Legislative Yuan and various sectors of society have been incorporated. It will not be just a subsidy but will include many supporting measures to reduce burdens. The budget part involves a certain degree of legislative amendment, and he hopes for the Legislative Yuan's support. Regarding the source of funding, Chang stated that economic achievements should be shared not only with all citizens but also with more generations. He hopes this is not a one-time payment but a way to care for a generation, caring for the children and also for those who care for the children. Chang mentioned that for the 6 to 18 age group, the plan is to save half and use half immediately. When President Lai was Vice President, he promoted the policy of tuition-free compulsory education. The goal is to help children save a sum of money so that at 18, they can choose to pursue further education or start a business, having a 'first bucket of gold' to face their adult lives. Whether the savings will be mandatory is still under final discussion. Chang indicated that the legislative amendments could take several directions, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare's ongoing Disadvantaged Children's Education and Development Account. The plan is in its final stages of deliberation and will be proposed in the fastest and most socially acceptable manner. When asked by the media whether it would be included in the annual budget or a special budget, he said the details would be announced in full next week.