TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The New Taipei City Government (新北市政府) announced on Thursday (Jan. 2) an increase in childbirth subsidies to a maximum of NT$50,000, extending eligibility to same-sex couples adopting children. The revised policy, effective from Jan. 1, raises the subsidy to NT$30,000 for the first child, NT$40,000 for the second, and NT$50,000 for the third and subsequent children.
The New Taipei's Department of Civil Affairs (新北市民政局) explained that eligibility criteria have been eased. Parents can apply if one parent is registered in New Taipei City and has been in New Taipei City, Taipei City, Keelung City, or Taoyuan City for at least 10 months. After registering the newborn in New Taipei City, parents have one year to prepare identification, a seal, and a copy of a bankbook to apply at any Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) or online.
The policy also includes same-sex spouses who adopt their partner's biological child or jointly adopt a child. Those who have registered their marriage according to the Judicial Yuan's (司法院) Interpretation No. 748 and have received court approval for adoption can apply, provided they have not previously claimed the subsidy. Either adoptive parent may apply at the household office.