Encourage middle-aged and elderly employment subsidies to be viewed once

        With the extension of life expectancy, Taiwanese society is gradually moving towards an aging population. As early as 2018, the proportion of elderly people aged 65 and above in Taiwan exceeded 14% of the total population, officially entering the "elderly society". It is estimated that by 2025, it will exceed 20% and enter the "super elderly society". Taking into account the labor potential of the elderly population, the government has successively promulgated the "Employment Promotion Law for Middle aged and Elderly People" and supporting plans, hoping to assist them in facing the new stage of life with peace of mind.

                The "Law on the Promotion of Employment for Middle aged and Elderly People" was introduced in 2019 and revised in July 2024, establishing the items that should be included in the employment plan and requiring the competent authority to regularly update the workplace guidance manual. In order to implement this law, the Ministry of Labor has also launched the "Employment Promotion Plan for Middle aged and Elderly People", which includes 24 measures and 81 specific practices, aiming to enhance the development opportunities of middle aged and elderly employees.

        1、 Entrepreneurship loans and interest subsidies

        Micro Entrepreneurship Phoenix Loan

        Provide a loan of up to NTD 2 million and a maximum of 7 years, with the first 2 years of interest fully subsidized by the Labor Development Agency. This includes women aged 20 to 65, middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 and above, as well as residents aged 20 to 65 and registered on outlying islands. Applicants must participate in government entrepreneurship training courses for at least 18 hours within 3 years, receive entrepreneurship counseling, and have less than 5 employees (excluding responsible persons) in their business.

        Unemployment loans for middle-aged and elderly people, as well as entrepreneurship loans for elderly people (including joint entrepreneurship with young people)

        Provide loans for middle-aged and elderly entrepreneurs aged 45 and above, with a maximum loan amount of NTD 200000 and a maximum term of 7 years. The first 2 years of interest will be fully subsidized (for self entrepreneurs), or the first 3 years of interest will be fully subsidized (for joint entrepreneurs with Qingdao Bank).

        2、 Employment rewards

        Strong Generation Employment Incentives

        Individuals aged 55 and above, as well as those aged 45 and above who have retired in accordance with the law, who have been unemployed for more than 3 consecutive months and have been recommended by public employment service agencies to be employed by the same employer for more than 90 days, may apply for rewards. Full time workers can receive NTD 30000, while part-time workers can receive NTD 15000, with a maximum of 2 payments per person.

        3、 Cross county and city employment

        Job seeking transportation subsidy

        Middle aged and elderly individuals aged 45 and above, who are recommended by public employment service agencies for job hunting, can apply for NTD500 transportation subsidy each time if the distance between the application location and their place of residence exceeds 30 kilometers. In special circumstances, the maximum subsidy can be NTD1250.

        Cross regional employment allowance

        For those over 45 years old who have been unemployed for more than 3 months or have resigned involuntarily, provide transportation, relocation, and rental subsidies for employment in other places.

        4、 Vocational training

        Vocational training living allowance

        Workers over 45 years old who apply for job registration with public employment service agencies and participate in full-time vocational training arranged by public employment service agencies can apply for vocational training living allowances, which are paid at 60% of their basic salary per month. Within 2 years from the start of training, the maximum subsidy is 6 months; Individuals with disabilities are eligible for a maximum of 12 months.

        Industrial talent investment plan

        Workers aged 45 and above can join the "Taiwan Employment Pass" website as members, and then register for this program course online on the "On the Job Training Network". After completing the training, the training unit will assist in applying for a 100% training expense subsidy, with a maximum subsidy of NTD 70000 within 3 years.

        5、 Short term work

        Temporary work allowance

        Middle aged and elderly individuals aged 45 and above who have registered for employment with public employment service agencies may be recommended for temporary allowance work if they are unable to find employment within 14 days or have legitimate reasons for not being able to accept the recommended work. After consultation and evaluation by public employment service agencies, they may be recommended for temporary allowance work. The employer shall provide temporary work allowance on a monthly basis and arrange for the employee to participate in labor and health insurance. The allowance shall be based on the hourly basic salary announced by the central competent authority, and shall not exceed the monthly basic salary, with a maximum of 6 months.

        Workplace learning and re adaptation allowance

        Workers over 45 years old are required to fill out a "Intention Form for Participating in Workplace Learning and Re adaptation Plan" and be recommended by public employment service agencies to work in short-term positions at their employers. During the period of participating in the Workplace Learning and Re adaptation Plan, the employer will provide monthly Workplace Learning and Re adaptation allowances and arrange for their participation in labor and health insurance. The allowance shall be calculated based on the hourly basic salary announced by the central competent authority, and the maximum monthly allowance shall not exceed the monthly basic salary, with a maximum of 3 months; After evaluation and approval, the elderly can be extended to 6 months.

        If workers and employers can make full use of subsidy resources, middle-aged and elderly employees will be able to continue to shine in the workplace, demonstrate rich experience and wisdom, and companies can also enhance their diversity and inclusiveness, bringing more vitality and innovation to the team. We hope to create a diverse and friendly working environment through joint efforts from all sectors, and make greater contributions to the long-term development of society.

        Note:

        For more subsidy information and detailed regulations, please visit the "45+Employment Resource Network".

        2. Data source: National Regulatory Database Ministry of Labor Development Agency Global Information Network Ministry of Labor Development Agency, 45+Employment Resource Network.

        Image source: freepik

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