Attention new immigrants! Workers with “employment insurance” who are dismissed from work due to the epidemic can receive unemployment benefits

During the outbreak of the local epidemic in Taiwan, many industries were affected and gone out of business. Workers resigned or were dismissed by companies, which affected many families’ livelihood. The Bureau of Labor Insurance of the Ministry of Labor (BLI, 勞保局) said that if the insured worker is dismissed by the insured company due to closure of business, dissolution, financial losses, or downsizing, this is called involuntary resignation under the “Employment Insurance Act” (就業保險法). If the conditions for claiming unemployment benefits are met, the workers may apply for “unemployment benefits” (失業給付).

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Unemployed workers who have participated in "Employment Insurance" for at least one year can receive unemployment benefits. Photo/Provided by the Bureau of Labor Insurance

The BLI pointed out that if the insured person has participated in the "employment insurance" (就業保險) for more than one year in the 3 years before involuntary resignation and cancellation of labor insurance, and has the ability to work and is willing to continue working, he can present a certificate of involuntary resignation issued by the insured company with their national ID card (including naturalized Taiwanese foreign spouse) and other information, to personally apply for job registration and apply for unemployment benefits with the public employment service agency.

If the public employment service agency is not able to arrange for employment or provide vocational training within 14 days, then the 15th day will be considered "Confirmed Unemployment" and the insured worker can send the application for unemployment benefits to the BLI for approval and release.

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Online application services are available for unemployment benefits. Photo/Provided by the Bureau of Labor Insurance

In addition, unemployment benefit is paid at 60% of the average monthly insured salary of the 6 months before the involuntary resignation and cancellation of labor insurance, with a maximum of 6 months. For insured workers who are 45 years of age at the time of involuntary resignation and cancellation of labor insurance or if they have a certificate of physical and mental disability issued by the competent social administration agency, the amount of unemployment benefits can be issued for a maximum of 9 months. The BLI reminds workers that if they want to continue to receive unemployment benefits, they must go to a public employment service agency every month to apply for certificate of unemployment before they can continue to receive the benefits.