Taiwan is set to distribute a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (about US$315) to eligible residents starting January 2027, pending legislative approval of the proposed budget. The initiative, part of Taiwan’s 2027 central government budget, is designed to share the economic gains from the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry and increased tax revenues.
The Cabinet has earmarked NT$235.7 billion for this scheme, which aims to support Taiwanese citizens with household registration, foreign nationals with permanent residency, and certain residents with valid permits. Additionally, eligible spouses of Taiwanese citizens from regions including China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as Taiwanese government employees overseas and their dependents, will also benefit.
To facilitate the distribution, the government plans to offer five payment methods: bank-account registration, ATM and post office withdrawals, direct deposits, and roster-based payments. Seventeen financial institutions are expected to participate in the ATM withdrawal network.
For the initiative to proceed, the legislature must approve the 2027 budget by January 5, followed by presidential promulgation by January 20. If these conditions are satisfied, pre-registration for payments could commence on January 20, with bank deposit registrations on January 25. Initial payments could start as early as January 26 through pre-registration, direct deposits, and roster-based distribution.
ATM withdrawals are anticipated to be available from February 15, while post office withdrawals are scheduled for February 22. Residents have until August 31, 2027, to claim their payments, with eligible newborns born by the end of 2027 having until January 31, 2028, to receive the benefit.