My company asked me to sign a "voluntary resignation letter," saying it would look better on my resume. Should I sign it?

Do not sign! If you sign a voluntary resignation letter, you will be ineligible for severance pay and unemployment benefits. Please insist on obtaining a "proof of involuntary resignation" from your company.

I was dismissed by the company during my probation period. Does this count as involuntary resignation?

Yes! As long as the employer terminates the employment contract voluntarily, regardless of whether it is during the probationary period, it is considered involuntary resignation, and the company must issue a certificate and pay severance pay in accordance with the law.

Does it take a long time to receive unemployment benefits after applying for them?

After registering for employment at the employment center, there is a 14-day waiting period. If you still haven't found a job within 14 days, the application process is complete, and the payment will be deposited into your account approximately 1-2 weeks later.

What happens to my social security and health insurance while I'm receiving unemployment benefits?

Labor insurance will be interrupted and automatically transferred to the National Pension Insurance; as for health insurance premiums, during the period when you receive unemployment benefits (or vocational training allowances), the health insurance premiums for you and your dependents who are insured with you will be fully borne by the government.

If a spouse of a new resident is laid off, can they receive unemployment benefits?

Yes. As long as the new resident has a legal work permit and the employer has paid "Employment Insurance" for them for at least one year, they can apply for unemployment benefits when they leave their job involuntarily.

I am a foreign migrant worker (such as a factory worker or caregiver), and my boss suddenly doesn't want me anymore. Can I receive unemployment benefits?

Foreign migrant workers who are not enrolled in employment insurance by law are ineligible for unemployment benefits. However, you can call the 1955 hotline, and the government will assist you in claiming severance pay from your employer and arrange free accommodation for you during your transition to a new employer.

Can I take on part-time jobs while receiving unemployment benefits?

Yes, but you must honestly declare your part-time income to the employment center. If your part-time income exceeds your basic salary, you cannot claim it for that month; if it is less than your basic salary, there are corresponding deductions.

What is the "early employment incentive allowance"?

If you find a new job before your unemployment benefits run out and you stay with the new company for at least 3 months, you can receive 50% of the remaining unemployment benefits as a bonus.

Can I receive both unemployment benefits and vocational training living allowance at the same time?

No. You can only receive one of these two allowances at the same time. Usually, you'll switch to the vocational training allowance while participating in full-time vocational training.

What can I do if my company goes bankrupt and the boss runs away, and I can't get a certificate of involuntary resignation?

You can appeal to the local county or municipal labor bureau. Once the labor bureau verifies the complaint, they will directly issue you a certificate of involuntary resignation, ensuring that your rights are not violated.

[Complete Guide to Unemployment Self-Help] The Golden 6 Months of Receiving Benefits After Involuntary Resignation

Receiving a layoff notice from your company and facing sudden unemployment can be disconcerting and anxiety-inducing. But take a deep breath first. Under Taiwan's employment insurance system, as long as your resignation is "involuntary," the government has a comprehensive safety net and subsidy process to help you through this difficult time.

This is not just "unemployment benefits," but a golden 6-month self-help process combining "allowances, continuing education, and incentives." This guide will walk you step-by-step to claim your due rights, and will also specifically analyze the special coping methods for migrant workers and new immigrants when facing layoffs.

Step 1: Confirming "Involuntary Resignation" Status and Obtaining Proof

To activate all subsequent subsidies, the first ticket is a "Certificate of Involuntary Resignation".

What is Involuntary Resignation?

Beyond company closures or layoffs (Article 11 of the Labor Standards Act), if you encounter the following situations, it also constitutes involuntary resignation, and you should never foolishly sign a "voluntary resignation form":

Company relocation causing commuting difficulties.
Employer failing to pay wages as required by law, or violating your labor contract and infringing upon your rights (you can voluntarily terminate the contract according to Article 14 of the Labor Standards Act, which is also considered involuntary).
Dismissal when a contract for services is converted into an employment contract.

Required Documents Before leaving the company, make sure you obtain:

Involuntary Resignation Certificate (must bear the company's official seal).
Service Certificate (only proves your employment period, unrelated to the reason for resignation).
Severance Pay settlement details.

⚠️ If the employer maliciously refuses to issue an involuntary resignation certificate, you can directly apply for labor dispute mediation with the local county/city labor bureau. During the mediation, the labor bureau will issue you a temporary certificate to ensure you don't delay applying for subsidies.

Step Two: Apply for Unemployment Benefits (Receive 60%~80% of Salary)

After obtaining the certificate, please, within 2 years of leaving your job and withdrawing from insurance, bring your ID card, proof of involuntary resignation, and a copy of your bankbook to a local public employment service agency (employment center) to register for job seeking and apply for unemployment benefits.

How Much Can You Receive?

Basic Benefit: 60% of your average insured salary for the 6 months prior to leaving your job.
Dependent's Supplement: If you have dependent spouses without working income, minor children, or children with disabilities, an additional 10% will be added for each dependent, up to a maximum of 80%.

Example: If your original insured salary was NT$40,000 and you have 2 minor children, you can receive 40,000 × 80% = NT$32,000 per month.

How Long Can You Receive the Benefits?

General Workers: Maximum of 6 months.
Individuals aged 45 or older or with a disability certificate: Maximum of 9 months.

💡 Perspective from New Immigrants and Migrant Workers: What to Do If You Are Laid Off as a Foreigner?

Many foreigners are unfamiliar with their labor rights and often feel lost when laid off. Please note that as long as you are legally working in Taiwan, your basic rights are almost identical to those of Taiwanese citizens.

New Immigrants (Dependency Residency, Permanent Residency, or Those with an Identification Card)

As long as you have had "Employment Insurance" deducted during your employment, you are fully eligible for the aforementioned unemployment benefits and all vocational training subsidies. The application process is exactly the same as for Taiwanese citizens; you only need to bring your residency document.

Migrant Workers

Due to legal restrictions, migrant workers are not covered by general employment insurance and therefore cannot apply for unemployment benefits. However, you still have a strong safety net:

Employer Change Period: After involuntary resignation, you have the right to request assistance from the Ministry of Labour to change employers. Do not run away because your employer threatens to "deport" you.
Severance Pay Protection: You are still entitled to severance pay and advance wages.
Free Placement and Legal Assistance: If you experience malicious dismissal, passport withholding, or unpaid wages, please immediately call the 1955 Protection Hotline. The government will provide free multilingual legal assistance and arrange safe placement centers (Shelters) during the employer change period.

Step Three: Vocational Training and Living Allowance

If you feel you need to learn new skills to change careers while receiving unemployment benefits, the government provides free vocational training (such as web design, plumbing, baking, etc.).

Tuition is free during the training period.
You can also switch to receiving the "Vocational Training Living Allowance" (the amount is the same as unemployment benefits, including dependent allowance).
This is a golden period for you to "receive money and learn skills for free."

Step Four: Early Employment Incentive

Many people ask, "If I find a job quickly, won't I lose the remaining unemployment benefits?"

Absolutely not! The government will give you a bonus.

If you find a new job early during your unemployment benefit period (e.g., after only 2 months) and participate in employment insurance at your new company for 3 months, you can apply for the "Early Employment Incentive" in a lump sum.

The amount is 50% of your remaining unemployment benefits. This money is deposited into your account in a one-time payment, encouraging you to return to the workforce sooner without compromising your rights.

V. Common Pitfalls and Precautions

Part-Time Employment Pitfalls: If you have part-time work during your unemployment benefits period, and your monthly income exceeds the basic wage (currently $27,470), you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits for that month. If your income is lower than the basic wage, and your part-time income plus unemployment benefits exceeds 80% of your original salary, the excess will be deducted. Honest reporting is essential; otherwise, you will face fines and have your benefits revoked.
Refusing Job Placement: Employment centers will introduce you to jobs. If you repeatedly refuse interviews without a valid reason (such as low pay or long commute), you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
National Pension: If your social security contributions are interrupted during unemployment, the government will automatically transfer you to the National Pension Insurance. However, during the unemployment benefits period, your health insurance premiums will be fully paid by the Employment Insurance Fund, easing your burden.

Conclusion

Unemployment is just a comma in your career, not a period. When faced with involuntary resignation, please bravely defend your rights and make good use of unemployment benefits, vocational training allowances, and early employment incentives to turn these 6 months into a golden preparation period for self-improvement!

The information on this site is compiled from public government sources. Actual eligibility is determined by the issuing authority. We do not process applications on your behalf and do not charge any fees.

[Complete Guide to Self-Help During Unemployment] The Golden 6 Months After Involuntary Resignation and the Process of Receiving Payments