TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Hsinchu will start distributing NT$5,000 (US$160) to each of its citizens on Jan. 21, the city administration said Saturday.

The plan was approved by Hsinchu City Council as a measure to help people withstand the impact of the US tariffs imposed by the US. Taiwan and the US are still negotiating to reach a final agreement about the tariff levels.

The first to receive the cash will be elderly registered in the city’s social security system who have supplied a bank account number, and children under special social protection, per CNA. Each district will set up distribution points to hand out the cash to the public on Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the city said.

Residents can also choose a digital payout by registering on a city app from Jan. 30 to Feb. 28. If still not registered by then, people can visit their local district office to pick up the money during working hours March 10-31.

Children born between Aug. 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026 also qualify for the handout if they completed relevant registration formalities by Sept. 30, 2026 at the latest, officials said.

The city had promised to start the handout campaign ahead of the Feb. 14-22 Lunar New Year holiday. Taiwan’s central government has been conducting a similar program with a NT$10,000 tax rebate per person.