The KMT wants to raise the cash handout to NT$20,000 before the year-end elections, while the Executive Yuan wants only to hold the line at an NT$10,000 AI dividend — a tug-of-war that, for the public, means "possibly more money, but on a less certain timeline."

• The KMT has settled on its position, hoping the Legislative Yuan will pass a universal cash handout of NT$20,000 on third reading before the year-end nine-in-one local elections.
• The Executive Yuan reiterated three principles: no increase in real borrowing, no crowding out of social welfare, defense, health care or education, and procedures that are legal and constitutional.
• Next year's general budget already includes funding for the NT$10,000 universal handout; if the Legislative Yuan passes it on third reading in early January, the money could be deposited before Lunar New Year.
• The Executive Yuan is also calling for the child and youth growth allowance of NT$5,000 for each person aged 0 to 18 to be paid on schedule next year.

Outlook: Whether the final figure is NT$10,000 or NT$20,000 depends on the pace of the Legislative Yuan's review of the general budget, and under election pressure the calls for a larger handout will only grow louder.