The Legislature passed a special budget after a third reading this Friday, including a total of NT$236 billion (US$7.7 billion) in cash payouts. Citizens, foreign permanent residents, and foreign spouses are eligible to receive NT$10,000 (US$326) cash handouts as soon as early November this year.

The special budget, aimed at strengthening the economy, social security, and national security, was approved by the Cabinet in September and included NT$550 billion (US$17.9 billion) in expenditures. An amount of NT$20 billion (US$652 million) was set aside for future allocations, including industry support. 

DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu (陳培瑜) said the passing of the special budget was a joint effort between the ruling and opposition parties. She announced that the Cabinet will begin distributing the funds within a month, hopefully making them available to all citizens within several months.

KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) said she hopes the special budget will stabilize public sentiment and boost short-term consumption.