TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign spouses of Taiwanese will be among those eligible for the NT$10,000 (US$329) cash handout, which the National Development Council estimates could lift GDP by 0.415 percentage points.
The Cabinet on Thursday approved a special relief act allocating NT$236 billion for the distribution, per CNA. If the budget clears a third reading and takes effect in early October, payments could begin in late October.
The act caps spending at NT$570 billion, with NT$550 billion budgeted and NT$20 billion reserved for future industrial support. Of the budgeted funds, NT$236 billion is earmarked for the handout.
The NT$10,000 distribution will follow the same principles as the NT$6,000 cash handout in 2023. Eligible recipients include citizens with household registration and nationals without household registration but with residency permits.
Overseas officials and their dependents will qualify. Foreigners with permanent residency and spouses of Taiwanese nationals who hold residency permits are also eligible.
The Ministry of Finance estimates more than 23.56 million people will qualify, requiring NT$235.65 billion plus NT$350 million in administrative costs, for a total of about NT$236 billion.
Distribution channels will mirror the NT$6,000 scheme, with five options — online registration for bank transfer, ATM withdrawal, post office withdrawal, direct deposit for designated groups, and roster distribution for those unable to use the other methods.
Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲) said the ministry will respect the legislature’s timetable, but cash will be distributed within a month after the budget is promulgated. Detailed arrangements will be announced later.
The MOF said a cross-ministerial task force has been established with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Financial Supervisory Commission, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the Cabinet’s anti-fraud command center to prepare operations.
NDC Deputy Director Chen Mei-chu (陳美菊) said the NT$10,000 payout is expected to raise GDP by 0.415 points, citing past stimulus measures. She noted the Triple Stimulus Vouchers in 2020 boosted GDP by 0.53 points, generating NT$101.6 billion in benefits. The Quintuple Vouchers produced NT$192.6–201.3 billion in short-term effects and NT$250 billion in long-term value, while the NT$6,000 handout in 2023 added about 0.3 points to GDP.
Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said the handout could theoretically add 0.5 points to GDP, though the effect depends on how much is spent versus saved. He added that targeting sectors like conventions, concerts, sports, and tourism could amplify the impact.
If the budget passes a third reading in early October, cash distribution could start in late October. The deadline for most recipients will be early April 2026, while newborns will have until early May.
Direct deposits will apply to pensioners, farmers, low-income elderly, disabled recipients, institutionalized children, overseas officials without household registration and their dependents, and veterans. Registered bank transfers will be available through a designated website.
ATM withdrawals will expand to include Taipei Fubon Bank, bringing the total participating banks to 16 and covering 84.23% of machines nationwide. Post office withdrawals will be available at 1,294 branches.
In remote areas such as Pingtung County’s Shizi Township, Hualien County’s Wanrong Township, and Taitung County’s Jinfeng Township, local police stations will distribute payments. Inmates will receive funds via lists compiled by the Agency of Corrections.
