National Insurance Institute Details Unemployment Benefit Eligibility and Amounts
The Israeli National Insurance Institute has outlined the conditions and amounts for receiving unemployment benefits, designed to provide financial support to eligible individuals seeking employment. To qualify, applicants must be Israeli residents between the ages of 20 and 67, have stopped working, be registered with the Employment Service, and meet a qualifying period requirement.
The qualifying period, or 'achshara', mandates at least 12 months of employment as a salaried worker within the 18 months preceding the initial registration with the Employment Service. This period does not need to be continuous, and even working for part of a month counts as a full month. Crucially, individuals must register with the Employment Service promptly after ceasing employment, either online or in person, and adhere to scheduled check-ins.
Benefit amounts are calculated based on the individual's age and insurable income from the six full months prior to their first registration. For example, a gross monthly salary of NIS 34,225 can yield the maximum daily benefit of NIS 550.76, potentially reaching NIS 13,769 per month for 25 working days. However, the daily benefit is capped at NIS 550.76 for the first 125 payment days, decreasing to NIS 367.17 thereafter.
The duration of benefits depends on age and the number of dependents, with a maximum of 175 days for those aged 45 and above. The first five days of unemployment within any four-month period are not paid but do not reduce the total benefit entitlement. Specific rules apply to those who quit voluntarily, with a 90-day waiting period unless the resignation is deemed justified (e.g., due to a significant worsening of work conditions, health issues, or workplace harassment). Similarly, individuals placed on unpaid leave by their employer may be eligible, provided the leave lasts at least 30 days and they have no remaining vacation days.
Failure to attend scheduled appointments with the Employment Service or refusing suitable job offers, training, or vocational retraining can lead to disqualification or a reduction in benefits. Travel abroad during unemployment without proper registration with the Employment Service will result in a suspension of benefits for the period of absence.