When I first learned about Taiwan’s Labor Insurance System, I thought of it as something my employer handled in the background — another line in my pay slip. But when a fellow OFW friend got injured at work, I saw firsthand how important it was to know the claims process. Without that knowledge, benefits can be delayed — or worse, lost entirely.
If you’re working here in Taiwan, your labor insurance is more than just a policy — it’s your right. Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of the key steps and documents you’ll need to successfully claim your benefits under the system.
Step 1: Check If You’re Properly Enrolled
Before anything else, confirm that your employer has enrolled you in Taiwan’s Labor Insurance System. This is crucial because no enrollment means no benefits.
Your employer should have submitted:
- Your work permit
- Your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or passport
- Details like your name, date of birth, and monthly salary
Tip: Ask for a copy of your enrollment record or check your coverage status through the Bureau of Labor Insurance (BLI) online services. It’s a quick way to avoid nasty surprises when you file a claim.
Step 2: Understand Which Benefits Apply to You
The Labor Insurance System covers a wide range of situations, including:
- Injury or sickness compensation
- Maternity benefits
- Disability benefits
- Old-age pension
- Survivor benefits
- Occupational hazard compensation
Knowing which benefit you’re claiming will help you prepare the right documents and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with the BLI.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
The documents you’ll need depend on the type of claim. Here’s a breakdown:
For All Claims:
- Valid work permit and ARC or passport
- Completed Labor Insurance Benefit Application Form specific to your claim
- Employment verification, such as a recent work approval letter
For Sickness or Injury:
- Medical certificate or injury report from your doctor/hospital
For Maternity Benefits:
- Labor Insurance Maternity Benefit Application Form
- Baby’s birth certificate
For Disability Benefits:
- Medical assessment report detailing the disability
For Survivor Benefits:
- Death certificate of the insured
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
If Applying Through a Representative:
- Letter of authorization
Tip: Some claims, like maternity benefits, can be applied for online — saving you the trip and reducing physical document submissions.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim on Time
Labor insurance claims have deadlines. For most claims, you must file within five years from the date of the event (injury, illness, or death).
The only exception is for old-age pension claims, which do not have an expiration period.
Late submissions can result in a rejected claim, so don’t delay.
Step 5: File Your Claim with the Bureau of Labor Insurance
You can file your claim:
- Directly at the BLI office – Bring your original documents and copies.
- Through your employer – Some employers will assist you with the process.
- Online (for eligible benefits) – Use the official BLI e-service portal.
The good news? There are no fees for filing claims.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Notification
After submission, the BLI processes claims within a few working days. Once a decision is made, they’ll notify you of the outcome.
If approved, benefits are usually deposited directly into your Taiwan bank account or sent via other official channels.
Step 7: Follow Up
Keep copies of all your submitted documents and track your claim status via the BLI portal or helpline. If you change employers during the process, confirm that your coverage is still active to avoid delays.
How the System Can Support OFWs
A friend of mine slipped while working in a manufacturing plant, injuring his back. His employer had already enrolled him in the system, so we just gathered his medical certificates, ARC copy, injury report, and completed the application form. We submitted everything to the BLI within a week.
Less than two weeks later, he received his injury compensation. Without proper enrollment and timely submission, that benefit could have been delayed for months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not confirming your enrollment before starting work
- Missing deadlines for claim submission
- Submitting incomplete or untranslated documents
- Not keeping copies of all paperwork
- Relying solely on your employer without personal follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for benefits while I’m back in the Philippines?
Yes, but you’ll need to coordinate with the BLI and possibly appoint a representative in Taiwan.
What if my employer refuses to enroll me?
You can report it to the local labor office or the Workforce Development Agency (WDA). Enrollment is mandatory for eligible workers.
How long does it take to receive benefits?
Processing can take a few days to weeks depending on the complexity of your claim.
Can I file for multiple benefits?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each one.
Final Thoughts
Claiming benefits under Taiwan’s Labor Insurance System isn’t complicated if you know the steps and keep your documents in order. As OFWs, we work hard to support our families, and these benefits are part of our rights as legal workers here.
Don’t wait for an emergency to learn the process — check your enrollment today, keep your papers ready, and stay informed. When life throws you a curveball, you’ll be glad you did.