Taiwan government plans NT$10,000 cash giveaway before Lunar New Year

Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that the government aims to issue a NT$10,000 (US$313) cash benefit to eligible residents in January, ahead of the Lunar New Year, provided the 2027 general budget clears the Legislative Yuan by Jan. 5. The budget earmarks NT$235.7 billion for the program, relying on tax revenue growth driven by technology-related turnover and an 11.05% forecasted economic expansion. If approved, President Lai Ching-te could promulgate the budget by Jan. 20, enabling online registration on Jan. 25 and immediate payment the following day.

The Ministry of Finance clarified that eligible parties include Taiwanese household-registered citizens, foreign nationals with residence permits, permanent residents, spouses of Taiwanese nationals, and overseas Taiwanese government personnel and their dependents. Those opting for ATM or post-office collection will receive funds on Feb. 15 and Feb. 22 respectively. Deputy Finance Minister Juan Ching-hwa dismissed a KMT-backed proposal to double the payment to NT$20,000 as fiscally unsound, warning it would require borrowing and strain the budget.