I got my cash gift with my Taipei Senior EasyCard at a convenience store today.
The practice of distributing cash gifts for most senior Taipei residents was suspended by then-Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) for seven years, with only elderly residents from low and lower-middle income households qualifying for the gift. It was later reinstated by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安).
Still, the cash gift of NT$1,500 has become an object of ridicule among residents of other cities and counties: As privileged residents of the nation’s capital, dubbed the Celestial Dragons (天龍人), this is only what they get.
Many local governments increased social welfare, including allowances for seniors, as part of their election campaign strategy. Some seniors even received subsidies for dentures.
Ko did the very opposite. He reduced three types of allowances for senior residents: healthcare insurance subsidies, free bus rides per month and cash gifts for the Double Ninth Festival. He disqualified those who exceeded the financial limit. It caused a great outcry among the elderly.
A cash gift of NT$1,500 means almost nothing for those as rich as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co founder Terry Gou (郭台銘), Ko has said. However, as its name suggests, age is the criterion. The gift shows respect for the elderly, regardless of social class.
Many people became rich because of their life-long endeavor to carve a successful career. This does not mean they should be deprived of their rights as senior citizens.
The cash gift demonstrates respect for the elderly, instead of an allowance for middle and low-income households.
I agree with the Social Welfare Department that we should let recipients choose if they want to donate the cash gifts to underprivileged groups.
Offering 60 free bus rides per month can encourage elderly people to go out and exercise, which is good for their health, as some of them rarely do so. As for wealthy senior citizens, they usually go out by taxi. It is of no value for the government to haggle over such a small amount of subsidy.
Providing senior benefits symbolizes a progressive welfare state. Back then when the Taipei City Government proposed a cutback, it was regarded as not age-friendly. Elderly people reacted with fury, because they did not expect the government to cut social welfare and do nothing beneficial for the common good.
Candidates for mayoral posts tend to promise a massive increase in various subsidies, especially for the aged, when they are campaigning. This results in inconsistent social benefits for senior citizens in different municipalities.
The Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Health and Welfare should formalize a standardized policy on subsidies for elderly people. It is the only way for the elderly to be treated fairly regardless of where they live.
Wang Hsi-chang is a writer.
Translated by Fion Khan
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