What are Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment benefits are provided by the Employment Insurance System to provide basic living support to workers who have involuntarily left their jobs, are capable and willing to work but are temporarily unable to find employment, until they can find new jobs.
Eligibility Requirements
Involuntary resignation (layoff, company closure, expiration of labor contract, etc.; voluntary resignation is generally not eligible)
A total of at least one year of employment insurance contributions within the three years prior to resignation and insurance withdrawal
Possess the ability to work and the willingness to continue working
Register for job seeking with a public employment service agency, and if no job placement or vocational training can be arranged within 14 days from the registration date
Payment Amount
**60% of the average monthly insured salary for the 6 months prior to resignation and insurance withdrawal will be paid monthly.
Additional allowance for dependents: An additional 10% will be paid for each dependent parent without working income, spouse, minor or disabled child, up to a maximum of 20% (up to 80%).
Payment Period
**Generally a maximum of 6 months
For those who are 45 years of age or older or hold a disability certificate at the time of application, the maximum period is 9 months. Economic downturns, as announced by the government, can be extended for a maximum of 12 months
How to Apply
Obtain a certificate of termination of employment from your former employer.
Take the documents to a public employment service agency to register for job seeking, obtain unemployment certification, and receive employment counseling.
After 14 days without being able to find employment/arrange vocational training, the Bureau of Labor Insurance will review and issue the certificate.
Required Documents
National Identity Card, Certificate of Termination of Employment, copy of your domestic bank account, and (if you have dependents) relevant supporting documentation for your dependents.