Government to Roll Out Big Bonuses! Eligible Residents Across Taiwan to Receive 'NT$5,000 Monthly Cash Directly Deposited' – Growth Allowance Amount, Disbursement Timing, and Method

The government is planning to introduce a '0-to-18-year-old Growth Allowance,' offering a monthly subsidy of NT$5,000 per child, which has drawn significant public attention. President Lai Ching-te stated during the Presidential Office Family Day event that the relevant budget has already been included in the next fiscal year (FY116) central government budget, with formal implementation expected in 2027. The goal is to reduce family childcare burdens by expanding fertility, parenting, and education welfare.

However, there are still differences between the Executive Yuan's proposed plan and the version passed by the Legislative Yuan in its third reading, and disputes remain over the legislative process. This article summarizes the policy background, compares both versions, outlines the expected rollout timeline and application requirements, helping readers understand the full policy context.

Analysis of the 'NT$5,000 Monthly Allowance for Children Aged 0–18' Growth Allowance Policy: Differences Between Executive Yuan and Legislative Yuan Versions, Disbursement Timing, and Key Controversies

Although both proposals aim to provide up to NT$60,000 annually per child, there are clear differences in disbursement methods, age divisions, and the operation mechanisms of dedicated accounts.

Age Division and Disbursement Models

Executive Yuan Version: Divided at age 6. Children under 6 receive the full NT$5,000 monthly in cash. Children aged 6 to under 18 receive NT$2,500 in cash monthly, with the remaining NT$2,500 deposited into a 'Child and Youth Growth Allowance Dedicated Account.'

Legislative Yuan Third-Reading Version: Divided at age 7. Children under 7 have NT$60,000 annually deposited into a Growth Allowance Dedicated Account. Children aged 7 to 18 have NT$30,000 annually deposited into the Growth Allowance Dedicated Account, with another NT$30,000 deposited into a 'Future Account' subject to usage restrictions.

Dedicated Account Management and Withdrawal Rules

The Executive Yuan's dedicated account is centrally managed and operated by the government. The Legislative Yuan version establishes a 'Taiwan Future Account,' which beneficiaries can only access upon turning 18 and meeting specific conditions.

Total Projected Disbursement Amount

Based on current estimates, the total amount from birth to age 18 would be approximately NT$1.08 million under the Executive Yuan version and about NT$1.14 million under the Legislative Yuan version.

Comparison Table: Executive Yuan vs. Legislative Yuan Versions

Comparison Item Executive Yuan 'Family Support' Version Legislative Yuan Third-Reading 'Taiwan Child and Youth Account Act'

Age Cutoff Point 6 years old 7 years old

Disbursement for Young Children NT$5,000 monthly in cash (0–under 6) NT$60,000 annually into Growth Allowance Account (0–under 7)

Disbursement for Older Children NT$2,500 cash + NT$2,500 into dedicated account monthly (6–under 18) NT$30,000 annually into Growth Allowance Account + NT$30,000 into Future Account (7–18)

Deferred-Use Dedicated Account Child and Youth Growth Allowance Account (government-managed) Taiwan Future Account (accessible at 18 under conditions)

Total Amount (0–18 years) Approx. NT$1.08 million Approx. NT$1.14 million

Since the version passed by the Legislative Yuan differs from the Executive Yuan's original plan, the Executive Yuan has expressed disagreement and has not ruled out legal action. The opposition party insists the existing veto override mechanism should apply. The final version to be implemented will depend on future negotiations between the executive and legislative branches.

Eligibility, Timeline, and Disbursement Method for the '0-to-18 Growth Allowance'

Eligible Recipients and Criteria:

Currently, the policy primarily targets children aged 0 to 18 with ROC nationality and household registration in Taiwan. The policy direction leans toward no income cap, but specific eligibility criteria and special status definitions will be determined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare upon issuing official implementation guidelines.

Expected Implementation Timeline:

The Executive Yuan plans to launch the program in 2027 (Minguo Year 116), with the budget already included in that year's central government budget. The exact disbursement date will be announced after the bill and related regulations are finalized.

Application Process:

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has not yet opened applications or announced online or paper application procedures. All current application guides circulating online are unofficial. The public should await official announcements.

Integration with Existing Childcare Subsidies

Regarding public concerns about overlapping benefits, officials clarified that the '0-to-18 Growth Allowance' is an additional support measure, not a replacement for existing childcare subsidies.

From age 0 to under 6, the Growth Allowance can be received alongside the current childcare subsidy (NT$5,000/month for first child, NT$6,000 for second, NT$7,000+ for third and beyond). Combined monthly support is expected to start at NT$10,000, increasing with birth order. After age 6, since the current childcare subsidy ends, the Growth Allowance mechanism will take over. System integration and transition rules will follow the final operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.