Taipei: The Executive Yuan announced that registration for a one-time universal NT$10,000 (US$321) cash handout aimed at assisting people in Taiwan in coping with Trump-era tariffs and inflation will commence on November 5, with disbursements starting as early as November 12.
According to Focus Taiwan, the eligibility for this handout extends to registered Taiwanese nationals, including newborns born in Taiwan before April 30, 2026, who possess a birth certificate. Non-registered nationals with residence permits, foreign permanent residents, and foreign spouses of Taiwanese citizens with residence permits are also eligible. In cases where eligible individuals have passed away between the announcement and April 30, 2026, surviving family members can collect the payment at a post office.
Online registration will begin at 8 a.m. on November 5 through a dedicated website, following a schedule based on the last digit of the applicant's National ID or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) number. The staggered registration will see those with numbers ending in 0 or 1 registering on November 5, numbers ending in 2 or 3 on November 6, continuing in this pattern until November 9. From November 10 to April 30, 2026, registration will be open to all, with modification and verification of information possible from November 13.
Registrants need to provide a National Health Insurance (NHI) card number, a National ID or residence permit number, and a bank account number. For children aged 12 and under, a parent or guardian can register using their own ID number and bank account along with the child's NHI card number.
Cash can also be withdrawn at ATMs marked with the "universal cash handout" sticker, using an ATM card, National ID or ARC number, and NHI card number. Alternatively, individuals can collect the payment at a post office by presenting an NHI card, National ID, or residence certificate. Those collecting on behalf of others need to show similar documentation for the individuals they are representing.
For those already enrolled in government-run pension or social welfare programs, the payment will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. Residents in specific remote areas, including Wanrong Township in Hualien County, Jinfeng Township in Taitung County, and Shizi Township in Pingtung County, can register at local police stations from Friday to Tuesday.
Deposits for registered accounts and automatic disbursements will be available starting November 12. ATM cash withdrawals commence on November 17, while post office cash withdrawals start on November 24. The final deadline for receiving payments through these methods is April 30, 2026. However, parents of babies born in April next year have until May 22 to collect the cash at a post office. Distributions in the remote areas will occur from November 12 to November 25 at local police stations.