TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government aims to start distributing NT$10,000 (US$313) per person in cash before Lunar New Year in 2027, the Cabinet said Thursday.
Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said government agencies have begun preparations for the payments, which are intended to allow the public to share in the economic benefits generated by the AI industry, per EBC News. However, the timeline depends on legislative approval of the budget and subsequent legal procedures.
The Cabinet has allocated NT$235.7 billion in its proposed 2027 central government budget for the payments, which are included in the regular budget rather than a special budget as in previous distributions. The finance ministry said the government aims to maintain fiscal stability, while the Legislative Yuan’s review will determine when distribution can begin.
The KMT caucus on Tuesday called for increasing the amount to NT$20,000, but the Cabinet reiterated that any distribution must meet three principles, EBC News reported. The plan must not increase net government borrowing, displace other public spending, or violate constitutional or legal requirements.
Lee said, “The Cabinet is responsible for drafting the budget, while the Legislative Yuan is responsible for reviewing and approving it,” adding that all procedures must comply with the Constitution and the Budget Act. She said the NT$10,000 proposal followed an assessment of the government’s fiscal capacity and available funding.
The finance ministry has applied to use approximately NT$100 million from the second reserve fund to begin procurement and other preparatory work, according to EBC News. Deputy Finance Minister Chen Yong-sheng (陳勇勝) said planning, procurement, and contract awards would proceed wherever possible, but the government has not announced a confirmed payment date.
