YILAN (TVBS News) — In an effort to combat a declining birth rate, the Yilan County government passed a proposal on Tuesday (Oct. 17) to increase the baby bonus.
The new plan involves increasing the bonus from NT＄12,000 to NT＄15,000 and is expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Since 2010, Yilan County has provided baby bonuses. However, the amount pales in comparison when compared to other counties.
With the birthrate in the county decreasing year on year – last year saw only 2,378 newborns – Yilan County faces a potential severe aging population crisis.
Recognizing this, the county government is set to enhance the number of caregivers available for child care, hopefully taking some pressure off the parents of newborns.
This change reflects a broader challenge in Taiwan, currently grappling with nationwide low birth rates, which threatens to significantly impact future tax revenues and educational systems.
The increase in financial support from the Yilan government marks a proactive step toward averting a potential crisis in the demographic structure.