Taiwan to give subsidy to families of Covid-19 deceased

TAIPEI: The Taiwanese government will provide a ‘funeral and condolence subsidy’ of NT$100,000 (US$3,565) starting July 15 to the families of each person who has died or will die of Covid-19, the Health and Welfare Ministry (MOHW) said yesterday.

The families of people, Taiwanese and foreign nationals alike, who were confirmed by the MOHW to have been infected by the disease and died of it will be eligible for the subsidy, Central News Agency (CNA) quoted the MOHW.

As of yesterday, the death toll of Covid-19 in Taiwan had climbed to 730, according to government data.

“The subsidy will be retroactive and cover all people who have died to date as well as those who will die of Covid-19 in the future.

“In terms of which family member will get the subsidy, the spouse of the deceased will get first priority. If the deceased did not have a spouse, the next in line to receive the subsidy will be the children of the person who died, followed by the grandchildren, parents, siblings and grandparents, in that order,” said MOHW official Su Chao-ju.

Subsidy recipients can be foreign nationals.

People who are eligible for the subsidy will receive a notice from the MOHW, but they are still required to apply for the funds.

“After an application is approved, the subsidy will be wired to the applicant’s designated bank account or the applicant will receive a bill of exchange worth NT$100,000,” Su said.

People who have received a similar benefit from a local government can still claim the subsidy, which will be drawn from the Cabinet’s Covid-19 relief package, Su added.