Taiwan is preparing to distribute a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (approximately US$315) to eligible residents, with the initiative slated to commence on January 26, 2027, pending legislative approval. This move is part of the government’s proposed 2027 budget, which allocates NT$235.7 billion to share the economic benefits arising from the growth of the artificial intelligence industry.
The cash distribution aims to include Taiwanese citizens with household registration, foreign nationals holding permanent residency, and certain residents with valid residence permits. Additionally, eligible spouses of Taiwanese citizens from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and other countries, as well as Taiwanese government employees stationed overseas and their dependents, will be covered.
The distribution plan offers five payment methods: bank-account registration, ATM withdrawals, post office withdrawals, direct deposits, and roster-based payments. Seventeen financial institutions are anticipated to facilitate ATM withdrawals.
The initiative’s timeline hinges on the legislature’s approval of the central government budget by January 5, followed by the president’s promulgation by January 20. Should these conditions be met, pre-registration could open on January 20, with registrations for bank deposits starting on January 25. Initial payments via pre-registration, direct deposits, and roster-based methods could begin on January 26.
Subsequent payment methods include ATM withdrawals, expected to be accessible from February 15, 2027, and post office withdrawals, scheduled to start on February 22. The deadline for claiming the payment is August 31, 2027, whereas eligible newborns born by the end of 2027 have until January 31, 2028, to receive the payment.