Taipei is introducing a new incentive program in March to reward long-term care professionals with annual bonuses, aiming to enhance working conditions and retain skilled staff in disability care facilities.

The Department of Social Welfare (DOSW) announced that full-time nurses, social workers, caregivers, and life service staff in six types of care institutions will be eligible for the program. Bonuses start at NT$15,600 (US$476) per year after one year of service, increasing to NT$62,400 annually after seven years. Facility operators employing full-time professionals can also receive subsidies ranging from NT$8,400 to NT$33,600 annually.

The initiative comes as Taipei faces a rapidly aging population, with the city officially becoming a super-aged society in 2022. Currently, Taipei has 88 disability care facilities with over 900 full-time professionals. The city aims to expand this to 130 facilities by 2031 by utilizing social housing projects and repurposing public spaces.

DOSW Director-General Yao Shu-wen highlighted the importance of stable employment conditions in ensuring long-term support for individuals with disabilities. The program will run as a pilot initiative through 2031.