Taiwan is preparing to distribute a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (about US$315) to eligible residents starting January 2027, pending approval of the proposed budget. This initiative is part of the NT$235.7 billion allocation in the 2027 central government budget, aimed at sharing the economic benefits and increased tax revenue from the growth of the artificial intelligence industry.
The plan is designed to maintain fiscal discipline and adhere to legal procedures without necessitating additional borrowing. Eligible recipients include Taiwanese citizens with household registration, foreign nationals with permanent residency, and residents with valid permits. This also extends to spouses of Taiwanese citizens from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and elsewhere, as well as overseas government employees and their dependents.
The government has outlined 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.
The timeline for these payments is contingent on the legislature approving the budget by January 5, with presidential promulgation by January 20. If these steps are completed, pre-registration could begin on January 20, followed by bank deposit registration on January 25. Initial payments through pre-registration, direct deposits, and roster-based methods could commence on January 26.
ATM withdrawals are slated to start on February 15, 2027, with post office withdrawals beginning on February 22. The deadline for claiming the payment is August 31, 2027, while eligible newborns born by the end of 2027 will have until January 31, 2028, to receive the payment.