Upgrading parenting measures makes it easier to apply for subsidies

        Welcoming a new life is an exciting moment of happiness. For novice parents, in addition to changes in their daily routine, there are many welfare information that need to be understood in advance, including maternity benefits, maternity leave without pay, and family care. In order to alleviate the pressure on parenting families, the government has continuously optimized relevant support measures in recent years, not only providing online application channels, but also developing a more flexible system of parental leave without pay. This issue of 'Legal Column' introduces the latest key measures and provides corresponding application steps based on different stages.

        Online application for maternity benefits is open, making it more convenient to apply

                Qualified insured persons who become pregnant or give birth during the period of participating in labor insurance may apply for "labor insurance maternity benefits". In general, a 2-month maternity allowance will be issued, and for twins or more, it will be increased proportionally based on the number of births. At present, it is open for processing through the "e-Service System" of the Labor Insurance Bureau. After completing the registration of a newborn's birth, users can log in to the system using mobile phone authentication, natural person credentials, and other methods to apply without sending paper documents such as birth certificates, making the application process more convenient. In addition, when applying for birth registration, the "one-stop service" of the household registration authority can also be utilized to simultaneously apply for labor insurance maternity benefits, reducing the time spent traveling between different agencies.

        Maternity payment plus maternity allowance, with a maximum NTD of 100000 per child

        From prenatal preparation and medical expenses to daily necessities after the birth of the baby, each transaction will increase family expenses. Therefore, starting from 2026, the government will increase birth support measures. In addition to the original labor insurance maternity benefits, if the conditions for maternity subsidies are met at the same time, the maternity benefits plus maternity subsidies can receive a total of NTD 100000 per pregnancy; Twins and above will be processed according to relevant regulations, providing more financial support for new parents.

        Childcare leave without pay allowance can also be applied for online

        Those who apply for maternity leave without pay before their children reach the age of 3 and meet the relevant regulations of employment insurance can apply for maternity leave without pay allowance and salary subsidy, totaling 80% of the average monthly insured salary. Each child can apply for up to 6 months, and can also apply online through the electronic service system of the Labor Insurance Bureau or entrust the insured unit to handle it on their behalf. The applicant only needs to provide relevant supporting documents.

        Childcare leave without pay has been added on a daily basis, and during the period of unpaid leave, insurance can be renewed according to regulations

        Starting from 2026, parental leave without pay can be applied for on a daily basis, allowing parents to arrange work and family life more flexibly according to their actual needs.

        During the period of applying for maternity leave without pay, those who meet the prescribed conditions can continue to participate in labor insurance and employment insurance to maintain their rights, and the relevant applications can be integrated and processed, or all procedures can be completed together when the insured unit submits the application through the online system.

        The application process for novice parents

        In summary, the application procedures corresponding to the seven stages are as follows:

        Stage 1: The baby is born.

        Stage 2: Processing birth registration.

        Stage 3: Confirm eligibility for maternity benefits/subsidies.

        Stage 4: Apply online through the electronic service system of the Labor Protection Bureau.

        Stage 5: If there is a need for childcare, follow company regulations to handle childcare leave without pay.

        Stage 6: Apply for maternity leave without pay allowance and salary subsidy.

        Stage 7: Apply for additional protection during the period of parental leave as needed.

        Parenting is an important process for families, and a sound system and convenient application services can provide good support. It is recommended to understand the relevant application information in advance and make arrangements according to one's own and family needs to balance work and family life.

        Source: Ministry of Labor, Labor Insurance Bureau, My E Government.

        *Image source: Magnific

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