Expanding childcare aid: Taiwan’s to ease parental burdens

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Chen Chien-jen said Thursday (May 9) that the government is planning to introduce more flexible unpaid parental leave policies as part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate the burden of childcare. The new policies, which include expanding public kindergartens and increasing childcare subsidies, are expected to include a minimum of five days of parental leave.

Executive Yuan spokesman Lin Tze-luen relayed Chen's comments at a press conference on the same day after the post-cabinet meeting. Chen noted that the definition of motherhood has become more diverse in society, with mothers, fathers, and grandparents playing crucial roles in raising children.

Chen said the government has been actively creating a more conducive environment for child-rearing through policies such as expanding public kindergartens and increasing childcare subsidies to ease the burden of childcare. Starting in 2024, the cost of childcare will be reduced from 10-15% of a family's disposable income to 5-10%. Subsidies for those using public childcare services will increase from NT$5,500 to NT$7,000 per month, while those using quasi-public childcare services will see their monthly subsidies rise from NT$8,500 to NT$13,000.

Chen also mentioned that to help parents balance work and family, the government has increased the income replacement rate for unpaid parental leave to 80% since 2021 and has relaxed application conditions. According to 2023 statistics, the number of employed workers applying for unpaid parental leave for the first time reached over 90,000, a 17.4% increase from 76,711 in 2020. The increase included a seven percentage point rise among women and a 63 percentage point rise among men, indicating that the policy effectively encourages men to participate in family care and reduces the burden on women.

Chen emphasized that mothers are a vital pillar of the family. He invited everyone to take a moment on special days to express their deepest gratitude and blessings to mothers and those who take on the role of motherhood.