Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-11-30

The health and welfare ministry’s bill on legalizing an account that helps fund

The health and welfare ministry’s bill on legalizing an account that helps fund disadvantaged children’s education has cleared the Cabinet. (CNA photo)

disadvantaged children’s education has cleared the Cabinet.

Earlier in June, the ministry set up a special account in order to help fund education for children from low-income and medium-to-low-income families born after January 1, 2016. The families can choose to save a monthly amount of between NT$500 and NT$1,250 (US$17 to $42), with the government matching the amount. The families will then be allowed to take out the full amount when their children turn 18.

Health and Welfare minister Chen Shih-chung said on Thursday there are 9,003 children in the country whose families qualify for the account, and that 2,529 have joined the program. Chen said the ministry will continue to promote the account in order to let more people know.    [FULL  STORY]