Taiwan is set to disburse a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (roughly US$315) to eligible residents starting January 2027, contingent on the approval of the government’s proposed budget. This initiative, part of the 2027 central government budget, includes an allocation of NT$235.7 billion aimed at sharing the economic gains from the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry and increased tax revenue.
The Taiwanese government’s plan includes strict adherence to fiscal discipline and legal procedures, ensuring no additional borrowing is required. Eligible recipients of the payment encompass Taiwanese citizens with household registration, permanent resident foreign nationals, and certain residents with valid residence permits. Furthermore, the scheme extends to spouses of Taiwanese citizens from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and other nations, as well as Taiwanese government employees stationed abroad and their eligible dependents.
The government has outlined five payment methods: bank account registration, ATM withdrawals, post office withdrawals, direct deposits, and roster-based payments, with 17 financial institutions participating in the ATM network. The timeline for dispersing these payments hinges on legislative approval of the budget by January 5, followed by presidential promulgation by January 20. Should these conditions be met, pre-registration is slated to commence on January 20, with bank deposit registration available from January 25, and initial payments beginning January 26.
Subsequent payment methods include ATM withdrawals from February 15, 2027, and post office withdrawals starting February 22. The deadline for claiming the payment is established as August 31, 2027, with an extension for eligible newborns born by the end of 2027, allowing until January 31, 2028, to receive the payment.