CHANGHUA (TVBS News) — In a heartwarming gesture to usher in the Lunar New Year, Changhua City started distributing red envelopes filled with NT$6,000 to its elderly residents on Thursday (Jan. 16). This initiative, totaling over NT$180 million, aims to bring joy and financial support to more than 30,000 seniors aged 70 and above, marking an increase from last year's 29,000 recipients.
Mayor Lin Shih-hsien (林世賢) emphasized the city's financial growth and stated that the government increased its revenues through diversified investment channels, raising the annual budget surplus from NT$770 million when the mayor first took office to NT$1.37 billion. Changhua City's policy is unique compared to other regions, which primarily focus on subsidies for people with disabilities or low-income households.
Taipei City offers NT$2,000 to low-income representatives in northern areas, while Taoyuan provides NT$2,500. Central Taiwan's Taichung allocates NT$2,500 per low-income household. In the south and east, Tainan distributes NT$500 per household, Kaohsiung NT$2,313, and Hualien up to NT$1,000. Outlying areas like Penghu offer NT$5,000 to eligible seniors or disabled persons, and Kinmen grants NT$12,000.