Taiwan is set to distribute a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (approximately US$315) to eligible residents starting January 26, 2027, contingent upon the approval of the government’s proposed budget. This initiative is included in the Cabinet’s proposed 2027 central government budget, which allocates NT$235.7 billion to share economic benefits and increased tax revenue from the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry.
The government has ensured that this expenditure will adhere to fiscal discipline and follow applicable legal procedures, with no additional borrowing required. The eligibility criteria for the payments include Taiwanese citizens with household registration, foreign nationals with permanent residency, certain residents with valid residence permits, and eligible spouses of Taiwanese citizens from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and other countries. Additionally, Taiwanese government employees serving overseas and their eligible dependents will also be covered.
To facilitate the distribution, the government plans to offer five payment options: bank-account registration, ATM withdrawals, post office withdrawals, direct deposits, and roster-based payments. Seventeen financial institutions are expected to participate in the ATM withdrawal network, providing broad access to the funds.
The timeline for the rollout depends on the legislature’s approval of the 2027 central government budget by January 5, followed by the president’s promulgation by January 20. If these conditions are met, pre-registration could commence on January 20, with registration for bank deposits opening on January 25. Pre-registered payments, direct deposits, and roster-based distributions could begin as early as January 26.
ATM withdrawals are slated to become available from February 15, 2027, with post office withdrawals scheduled to follow on February 22. The general deadline for claiming the payment is set for August 31, 2027. Eligible newborns born by the end of 2027 will have until January 31, 2028, to claim the cash payment.