Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan approved a special budget yesterday, including a cash handout of NT$10,000 (US$326) for residents. The bill boosts economic, social, and national security resilience.
Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun said the government will begin distributing the cash handout next month and announce details when the president signs the budget. The Cabinet confirmed foreign nationals with permanent residency or spouses of Taiwanese citizens qualify.
The Cabinet passed the NT$550 billion special budget on September 11, allocating NT$236 billion for the cash handout and NT$20 billion for industrial support.
Legislative Yuan committees reviewed the budget and conducted cross-party negotiations before the vote. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu led talks, including eight proposals such as NT$200 million defense cuts, NT$2 billion freeze on labor and health subsidies, and reduced media promotion expenses.
Lawmakers approved a revised NT$544.7 billion budget, cutting NT$5.3 billion. They maintained core allocations for social welfare, industry support, and labor protection.
Most reductions focused on defense spending, including the Ministry of National Defense’s bottled-water procurement plan, which critics said was overly expensive. Lawmakers cut NT$400 million, lowering the total to NT$390 million. They highlighted the NT$120 per bottle price as wasteful.
KMT Legislator Ma Wen-chun said the military should prioritize combat readiness and supply-chain resilience instead of opaque programs. The defense ministry explained that imported water ensured safe supply during emergencies, but it agreed to source locally instead.
DPP Legislator Rosalia Wu criticized the defense cuts, warning they could expose Taiwan to foreign threats if misused.
Analysts said the budget balances social support and national defense priorities. The cash handout provides immediate economic stimulus, while defense revisions reflect political negotiations and cost efficiency concerns.
The government will monitor the cash handout rollout closely and ensure eligible residents receive funds promptly. Lawmakers will continue discussing defense readiness and fiscal responsibility in upcoming sessions.
