TAIPEI (TVBS News) — According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Insurance, approximately 13.5% of Taiwan's workforce, which amounts to over one million workers, voluntarily contributed to their pension accounts in March.
Under the Labor Pension Act, employers must deposit at least 6% of their employee's monthly salary into their pension accounts. In comparison, employees can contribute up to 6% of their salary.
Some workers choose to contribute their salary to save money, fearing that they will spend their wages quickly once received.
However, individuals with tight budgets may need to reconsider their voluntary contributions.
As an associate professor at the Tamkang University's Department of Risk Management and Insurance points out, "A person earning over NT＄150,000 per month can comfortably handle their general expenses and potentially have a surplus."
The professor added: "However, for someone with a monthly salary of NT＄50,000, rent and other costs already constitute a significant portion of their income."
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Insurance indicate a correlation between higher salaries and a greater willingness to contribute to pension accounts.
Experts argue that this policy primarily benefits wealthier individuals due to the associated tax deductions for higher contributions.
They suggest that lower-salary workers should begin saving earlier and propose that the government provide more substantial incentives for voluntary contributions to pension accounts.
As Taiwan transitions into an aging society with a shrinking labor force and a growing elderly population, securing a well-prepared retirement will require significant effort.
