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 on legislative approval of the proposed budget. The initiative, which forms part of the 2027 central government budget, seeks to share the economic benefits arising from the artificial intelligence sector’s growth. The Cabinet has earmarked NT$235.7 billion for this purpose, emphasizing adherence to fiscal discipline and legal procedures without incurring additional debt.
The eligibility for this cash distribution extends to Taiwanese citizens with household registration, foreign nationals with permanent residency, and certain residents with valid residence permits. It also includes eligible spouses of Taiwanese citizens from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and other countries, as well as Taiwanese government employees stationed overseas and their eligible dependents.
Recipients will have five methods to access the funds: bank-account registration, ATM withdrawals, post office withdrawals, direct deposits, and roster-based payments. Seventeen financial institutions are expected to support the ATM withdrawal network, offering flexibility in how residents can receive their payments.
The timeline for the project is contingent on the legislature’s approval of the budget by January 5, followed by presidential promulgation by January 20, 2027. Pre-registration is slated to begin on January 20, with bank deposit registration starting on January 25. If these deadlines are met, initial payments through pre-registration, direct deposits, and roster-based distribution could commence on January 26.
ATM withdrawals are expected to be available from February 15, 2027, while post office withdrawals are scheduled to start on February 22. The general deadline for claiming the payment is set for August 31, 2027, with eligible newborns born by the year’s end having until January 31, 2028, to receive the payment.