As a Filipino worker in Taiwan, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind—shifting schedules, overtime hours, sending money home. But when it comes to your long-term goals, nothing’s more important than keeping an eye on your pension.
Checking your Taiwan Labor Pension balance annually helps you monitor contributions, see how your dividends are growing, and make smarter retirement decisions. Here’s how I personally check mine—and the four main methods every OFW should know.
Online Inquiry via Citizen Digital Certificate

This is the most complete method if you want detailed information and 24/7 access.
Steps:
- Apply for a Citizen Digital Certificate (Alien version) at your local NIA Immigration Office. Bring your ARC, phone number, and email address.
- Pay the NT$275 fee online at moica.nat.gov.tw. The certificate is valid for 5 years.
- Download and install the MOICA software and plug in a USB card reader.
- Log in to the BLI e-Service Portal using your certificate.
- Go to: Query / Labor Pension Personal Account Benefit Calculation.
You’ll see your current balance (principal + dividends), and once you’re over 60 or have 15+ years of work, you can use their pension estimator.
Personal Tip: I set a yearly reminder to check this in January after dividends are posted.
ATM Inquiry via Labor Security Card
No internet? No problem.
Steps:
- Apply for a Labor Security Card (free) from any of the 5 designated banks: Land Bank, E.Sun, Fubon, Taishin, or First Bank. Chunghwa Post also issues them.
- Sign the consent form that allows BLI to link your pension.
- Use the issuing bank’s ATM to view the latest six transactions and current balance.
Heads-up: You can only use ATMs from the bank where you got your card, and you must renew the card annually.
In-Person Visit to the Bureau of Labor Insurance (BLI)
If you prefer face-to-face support or printed records, this is your best option.
Steps:
- Bring your ARC and personal stamp/seal (no need for your passport or NHI card).
- Visit a BLI head or local office.
- Ask for “退休金資料列印” (print my pension information).
They’ll hand you a full report: every monthly contribution, annual dividend payouts, and the historical dividend rates.
What I said in Mandarin: Wǒ yào yī fèn tuìxiū jīn zīliào liè yìn.
Telephone Inquiry
Great for quick checks or if you prefer English assistance.
Steps:
- Call the BLI’s English hotline.
- Provide your ARC number and birthdate.
- Ask for your balance. They can email or mail you the summary.
This option is limited in detail, but still useful if you just want to confirm your account is active.
Required Documents & Tools
Purpose | Needed |
All methods | ARC or National ID |
Online check | Citizen Digital Certificate + card reader |
ATM check | Labor Security Card (from your bank) |
In-person visit | ARC + stamp/seal |
Certificate setup | MOICA software + USB reader |
Comparison of Inquiry Methods
Method | Where to Access | Pros | Cons |
Online via Digital Cert. | BLI e-Service portal | Full history, estimator, 24/7 access | Initial setup takes ~2 weeks |
ATM via Labor Card | Your bank’s ATM | No internet needed, real-time balance | Only 6 recent records, bank-limited |
In-Person at BLI | BLI offices | Full report, English/Mandarin help | Travel + waiting time |
Phone Inquiry | BLI English hotline | Easy for urgent balance checks | Less detailed |
Tips for First-Time Annual Checks
- Set a calendar reminder for your yearly check (January is ideal).
- Compare dividend rates over time to track growth.
- Save screenshots or printed records.
- Update your ARC number with BLI right after renewal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Online Login Fails? Double-check if your ARC number is updated in BLI records.
- ATM Error: “Non labor insurance insured person”? Your data may not be synced yet—wait 3–5 days.
- Lost/Damaged Labor Security Card? Replacement costs up to NT$200.
- MOICA Problems? Try reinstalling the software and restarting your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I check my pension online even if I’m not fluent in Mandarin?
Yes! The BLI e-Service portal has partial English support, and the certificate application can be done with help at the NIA.
Q: What if I lose my Labor Security Card?
Go back to your issuing bank and apply for a replacement. You may need to bring your ARC and pay a small fee (up to NT$200).
Q: When do pensions gain dividends?
Dividends are posted annually, usually early in the year. That’s why January–March is the best time to check your account.
Q: Is this the same as Labor Insurance?
No. The Labor Pension and Labor Insurance are different systems, though both are managed by the BLI. This guide focuses on the pension account.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go digital, visit in person, or just call in, checking your pension in Taiwan is one of the smartest financial habits you can build as an OFW.
For me, it’s not just about knowing how much is saved—it’s about staying in control of my future. Even if retirement feels far off, this small check-in helps me feel grounded.
Your hard work deserves a plan. Start by checking your pension today.