October 17, 2025 — Taipei, Taiwan
The Legislative Yuan has passed the “Central Government’s Special Budget Bill to Strengthen Economic, Social, People’s Livelihood, and National Security Resilience in Response to International Situations”, paving the way for universal cash payments of NT$10,000 to citizens.
Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun announced that President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to make an official announcement next week, with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) set to hold a press conference on the same day to provide details on the rollout. Disbursements are projected to begin in early November.
According to the MOF, the NT$10,000 payout will be available through five distribution channels:
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Direct bank deposit
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Registered deposit
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ATM withdrawal
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Post office withdrawal
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Distribution via government-prepared lists
The special budget, approved by the Executive Yuan on September 11, allocates a total of NT$550 billion. This includes NT$236 billion for general cash distribution and NT$20 billion in reserve funds to support future industrial and social welfare initiatives.
The Legislative Yuan’s six committees, including the Finance Committee, conducted a joint review before forwarding the bill for cross-party negotiations. A consensus was reached on October 14, and the measure completed its third and final reading on October 17, marking its official passage without reconsideration.
Amendments were made during the legislative review, including approval of a People’s Party proposal to reduce NT$20 million and freeze NT$4 million from the “Media Policy and Business Promotion Funding for Supporting Worker Stability.” Additionally, the Kuomintang (KMT) motioned to freeze NT$100 million from the National Health Insurance Fund. In total, the final budget amount was reduced by over NT$5.298 billion from the original proposal.
DPP legislator Zhong Jiabin expressed support for strengthening maritime patrols, disaster prevention, and emergency response, urging opposition lawmakers to prioritize the public’s welfare over political differences. He reiterated the Democratic Progressive Party’s backing of government initiatives that enhance social protection and national resilience.
The special budget aims to boost domestic consumption, safeguard livelihoods, and strengthen Taiwan’s economic and national security resilience amid evolving international challenges.