CHIAYI (TVBS News) — The Bureau of Social Affairs in Chiayi County began distributing cash gifts to the elderly in local villages on Monday (Oct. 16) in anticipation of the upcoming Double Ninth Festival on Oct. 23.
The elderly with proper ID cards and personal seals are eligible for collection, and more than 100,000 beneficiaries are expected.
Traditionally a holiday for people to visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects, the Chiayi County Government is showing respect and care for the elderly by distributing monetary gifts. Those aged 65 and above by the festival date can receive varying amounts of NT＄3,000, NT＄6,000 or NT＄9,000.
Across Taiwan, there are 100,783 eligible recipients. Those aged 65 to 89 will receive NT＄3,000; ages 90 to 99 will get NT＄6,000; and those 100 and over will receive NT＄9,000. The county will distribute a total of NT＄340,554,000.
Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang will personally congratulate or send representatives to bless centenarians.
As of Sept. 2023, Chiayi County exhibited the highest elderly population proportion in Taiwan at 22.16%, underscoring the imperativeness of comprehensive elderly care measures.