New Taipei clarifies senior card benefits: 600 points automatically added, no special transport needed

New Taipei City's Social Affairs Bureau has debunked circulating rumors and AI-generated memes suggesting that senior citizens must use public transportation on July 1 to receive an increased welfare benefit. The bureau clarified that the "senior citizen welfare card" will automatically be credited with 600 points starting July 1, without any special actions required by cardholders.

Recent online misinformation claimed that individuals needed to swipe their cards on a bus or MRT on July 1 to activate the new 600-point allowance. These false claims have led to numerous inquiries from concerned seniors to local district offices and the Bureau of Elderly Welfare. The Social Affairs Bureau stressed that the card's appearance and usage remain the same.

Starting July 1, the monthly point allowance for the senior citizen welfare card will increase from 480 to 600 points. Additionally, the benefit will now include 30 minutes of free use on YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bicycles. This initiative aims to encourage elderly residents and individuals with disabilities to go out more, promoting health and social participation.

Li Mei-chen, Director of the Social Affairs Bureau, stated that the senior citizen welfare card, which already covers buses in Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung, as well as the MRT in Taipei and New Taipei, has progressively expanded its services. These now include Taiwan Railways, Taoyuan Airport MRT, taxis, and YouBike. Earlier this year, services were further extended to national fitness centers, intercity buses, municipal joint hospitals, and district health centers. In February, the per-trip limits for taxis and Taiwan Railways were increased, and the scope of eligible Taiwan Railways stations was broadened.

Zhang Ai-ning, head of the Elderly Welfare Section at the Social Affairs Bureau, reiterated that the 600 points will be automatically deposited into the card upon the first use that deducts points within the month. There is no need for seniors to rush out on July 1 to ensure they receive the benefit.

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The senior citizen welfare card's style and usage methods will remain unchanged. As long as the first deduction of points occurs within the month, 600 points will be automatically deposited.