Last Updated on 2025 年 10 月 27 日 by 総合編集組

A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan’s 2025 NT$10,000 Universal Cash Handout Program

Taiwan’s government is set to launch its most ambitious universal cash distribution program yet, offering NT$10,000 to eligible citizens starting November 5, 2025. This initiative, designed to bolster economic resilience and provide immediate financial relief amid global uncertainties, is a landmark policy in Taiwan’s history of economic stimulus. Below is a detailed summary of the program’s key aspects, including eligibility, distribution methods, economic implications, and anti-fraud measures, crafted to help international readers understand this significant policy.

Policy Background and Objectives

The NT$10,000 cash handout is rooted in the Special Act for Strengthening Economic, Social, and National Resilience in Response to International Situations. Unlike regular budget allocations, this program is funded through a special ordinance, reflecting its role in addressing unique economic challenges, such as inflation and global market volatility. Initially, part of the allocated funds was intended to stabilize public utilities, such as subsidies for Taiwan Power Company. However, following proposals from the Kuomintang (KMT) party, the government redirected these resources to direct cash payments, prioritizing immediate public relief over structural subsidies.

The policy’s core goal is to boost public confidence and stimulate economic activity. By providing every eligible individual with NT$10,000, the government aims to deliver a tangible “small happiness” to citizens, enhancing their disposable income and fostering social stability. The decision to adopt a no-income-cap (non-means-tested) approach ensures universal access, maximizing coverage and minimizing administrative delays caused by income or asset verification.

Eligibility: Who Can Claim the Cash?

The program’s inclusivity is one of its standout features. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies:

• Taiwanese Citizens with Household Registration: Every citizen with a registered household in Taiwan, regardless of age or income, is eligible. This includes newborns born before April 30, 2026, with a special extended deadline of May 22, 2026, for those born between April 1 and April 30, 2026.
• Overseas Public Servants and Their Families: Taiwanese nationals stationed abroad for official duties, along with their dependents, are included to ensure fairness for those serving the country internationally.
• Non-Citizen Residents and Spouses: The policy extends to non-citizens with permanent residency, as well as spouses of Taiwanese citizens from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or other countries, provided they hold valid residency permits. This even applies in cases of divorce or spousal death, as long as the residency permit remains valid.

Required documentation is minimal, typically including an ID number (or residence permit number) and a National Health Insurance (NHI) card number. For those without an NHI card, alternatives like household registration documents are accepted.

Five Distribution Channels: Flexible and Accessible

To ensure accessibility, the government has designed five distribution methods, catering to diverse needs and technological preferences:

1. Online Registration for Bank Transfer: The fastest option, ideal for tech-savvy individuals. Starting November 5, 2025, users can visit the official “Universal+1” website to input their ID number, bank account details, and NHI card number. Funds are transferred in phases: pre-registration (November 5-10) sees deposits by November 12, while regular registration (until April 30, 2026) offers same-day or next-day transfers.
2. ATM Cash Withdrawal: Available from November 17, 2025, at ATMs marked with a “Cash Handout” logo across 16 participating financial institutions, including major banks and Taiwan Post. Users need a debit card, ID number, and NHI card number, with no cross-bank fees.
3. Post Office Counter Withdrawal: Starting November 24, 2025, this option targets those less comfortable with digital tools, such as seniors. A photo ID (e.g., NHI card or passport) is required, with funds disbursed after verification.
4. Automatic Bank Transfers for Welfare Recipients: Individuals receiving social welfare or pension payments will have the NT$10,000 automatically deposited into their designated accounts by November 12, 2025, requiring no action.
5. Remote Area and Special Cases: For residents in remote areas (e.g., Shizi Township in Pingtung, Wanrong Township in Hualien, and Jinfeng Township in Taitung) or those in correctional facilities, local authorities or the Agency of Corrections will handle distribution via pre-registered lists.

Proxy Collection for Minors and Others

The program includes provisions for proxy collection to assist minors, the elderly, or those with mobility issues:

• Minors Under 13: Parents or legal guardians can claim the cash on behalf of children under 13, requiring only the child’s NHI card number for online registration or a photo ID for in-person claims. For children under 7, proxy collection is mandatory.
• Non-Relative Proxies: For non-relatives collecting on behalf of others, both the proxy’s photo ID and the recipient’s NHI card (or alternative ID) are required to ensure security.
• Correctional Facility Inmates: Funds for inmates are managed through institutional processes, ensuring no one is left out.

Cash vs. Vouchers: Economic and Social Impacts

Unlike previous stimulus measures, such as the 2008 consumption vouchers or the 2020 triple/quinuple vouchers, this program opts for unrestricted cash. This choice has sparked debate:

• Advantages of Cash: Cash offers unmatched flexibility, allowing recipients to use the funds for daily expenses, debt repayment, savings, or investments. Its immediate impact on disposable income fosters a sense of financial relief, particularly in an inflationary environment.
• Limitations: Some funds may be saved rather than spent, potentially reducing the economic multiplier effect compared to vouchers, which direct spending to specific sectors. Vouchers, however, come with restrictions that can deter usage and increase administrative costs.
• No-Income-Cap Debate: The absence of an income cap simplifies distribution but may dilute economic stimulus, as high-income households are more likely to save the funds. Nonetheless, this approach minimizes social friction and accelerates rollout.

Anti-Fraud and Data Security Measures

With any large-scale financial program, fraud risks are a concern. The government has implemented robust safeguards:

• Data Security: Personal information submitted online (ID, bank account, NHI number) is encrypted and will be deleted within two months after the program concludes, ensuring privacy.
• Anti-Fraud Principles: The Ministry of Finance emphasizes the “Three No’s”:
  1. No proactive notifications via SMS, email, or calls asking for personal details.
  2. No requests to operate ATMs for cash claims.
  3. No demands for online bank transfers.
• Fraud Reporting: Suspected scams should be reported to the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline. The official website and toll-free hotline (1998, 8:30 AM–6:30 PM) are the only trusted sources.

Conclusion and Outlook

Taiwan’s NT$10,000 cash handout is a bold response to economic challenges, offering immediate relief to millions while showcasing efficient, inclusive policy design. Its digital-first approach, coupled with physical alternatives, ensures accessibility for all. While the long-term economic impact depends on how funds are spent, the program’s immediate benefits—financial relief, social stability, and public goodwill—are undeniable. For international observers, this initiative highlights Taiwan’s proactive governance in turbulent times.

Disclaimer: All information is based on official announcements as of October 27, 2025. For the latest updates, refer to the official website or contact the 1998 hotline.

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