What is Emergency Relief Fund?
Emergency relief fund is an emergency cash assistance provided by the government to families suddenly facing hardship to help them through a crisis. New immigrants (foreign nationals or spouses from mainland China) who have obtained residency status have the same application rights as local residents.
When can I apply?
You must meet any of the following "emergency" conditions:
Serious illness or accidental injury: Sudden serious illness or accident, with medical expenses exceeding your means.
Death of primary income earner: Death of spouse or primary breadwinner in the household, resulting in loss of livelihood.
Domestic violence shelter: Leaving home due to domestic violence, urgently needing living expenses.
Involuntary unemployment: Sudden unemployment, with no savings.
Natural disasters: Property damage caused by typhoons, earthquakes, etc.
Other major changes: Social worker assessment confirms an urgent need.
How much can I apply for?
The general range varies depending on the county/city regulations:
| Situation | Subsidy Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| General Emergency | NT$5,000–15,000 |
| Serious Illness Hospitalization | NT$10,000–30,000 |
| Domestic Violence Victims | NT$10,000–30,000 (plus shelter and follow-up counseling) |
| Death of Primary Income Earner | NT$30,000–60,000 |
The amount varies by county/city; Taipei City and New Taipei City typically offer higher subsidies.
How to Apply?
- Contact the Social Affairs Bureau/Office of your local county/city government
Telephone: Inquire about "[County/City Name] Social Affairs Bureau Emergency Assistance"
You can also ask the nearest community development association or village/township official for assistance.
- Prepare Documents:
Residence permit or passport
Household registration certificate
Documents proving "emergency" (hospital diagnosis, police report, resignation certificate, etc.)
Bankbook cover (for fund disbursement)
Social Worker Visit: Usually, a social worker will visit your home or make a phone call to confirm the situation.
Fund Disbursement Approval: In emergencies, funds can be disbursed within 3-5 business days.
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
If applying due to domestic violence:
You can also apply for a protection order (to prevent the abuser from approaching)
Domestic violence shelters provide safe accommodation (free, confidential address)
Contact the 113 Protection Hotline (24 hours, native language communication available)
New immigrants who are victims of domestic violence can apply to change their basis of residence, no longer needing to rely on their spouse for residency.
Long-term Assistance (After Emergency Assistance)
After applying for emergency assistance, social workers can further assess whether you qualify for:
Low-income/Lower-middle-income household designation (long-term monthly allowance)
Childcare and education subsidies (if you have children)
Employment counseling and vocational training (assistance in returning to the workforce)
Ongoing case management by the New Immigrant Family Service Center