To reduce the financial burden on families raising children, the Taichung City Government Social Affairs Bureau launched the “Ai Tai Wan Program” with a total budget of NT$340 million starting January 1 this year. Birth subsidies for the first and second child remain at NT$20,000 per child, while an additional NT$10,000 is provided for each child starting from the third, offering more substantial support for families with multiple children.

Ms. Peng, a mother of three living in Xinshe and currently five months pregnant, shared that during this pregnancy she can use the maternity transportation subsidy to take taxis for prenatal checkups, and after delivery she will also receive the additional subsidy for the third child. This has significantly reduced transportation and childcare expenses for her family, leading her to describe the experience as “continuous good fortune.”

The Social Affairs Bureau stated that each pregnant woman may apply for 30 subsidized rides per pregnancy, with a maximum subsidy of NT$200 per ride and a total subsidy of up to NT$6,000. As of last December, more than 5,700 pregnant women have benefited, with cumulative service usage exceeding 48,000 rides. Applications only require an identification card, maternity health handbook, and prenatal checkup receipts, and can be completed online via mobile phone for immediate use upon approval.

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the city government continues to support families throughout childbirth, childcare, and education. Birth subsidies are provided in cash. Either parent must have been registered in Taichung City for at least 180 days prior to the child's birth, and the newborn must complete birth registration or initial household registration in Taichung City. Applications may be submitted to a household registration office within six months after birth.