1. You Did Not Leave Your Job of Your Own Will
You must have been laid off in order to receive unemployment benefits. If you leave your job voluntarily or without a legitimate reason, you cannot receive unemployment benefits.
Example: Mr. Mehmet was laid off due to poor performance at work. He has the right to apply for unemployment benefits. However, Ms. Ayşe left her job voluntarily because she wanted to take a different path in her career. In this case, Ms. Ayşe cannot receive unemployment benefits.
2. Having Paid Premiums for a Certain Period in the Last 3 Years
In order to receive unemployment benefits, your insurance premiums must be paid regularly. The following conditions are sought:
You must have worked for at least 600 days with insurance and paid unemployment insurance premiums in the last 3 years.
You must have worked continuously for the last 120 days before being laid off.
Example: Ms. Elif has worked continuously for the last 3 years and paid premiums. However, Mr. Ahmet has not worked for part of the last 3 years and has not paid unemployment insurance premiums. Therefore, Mr. Ahmet may not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
3. Reason for Dismissal
In order to receive unemployment benefits, your employment contract must be terminated by your employer for a valid reason. The following reasons are generally accepted:
Closing of the workplace
Reduction in the number of employees
Employer’s dismissal for economic reasons
Example: A factory downsized due to economic difficulties and laid off some of its employees. These workers can apply for unemployment benefits.
4. Applying to İŞKUR on Time
After being dismissed, you must apply to the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) within 30 days. Applications can be made at İŞKUR branches or via e-Government.
Example: When Mr. Ali applied 35 days after his dismissal, he lost his rights due to the delay. Therefore, it is important for those who want to receive unemployment benefits to pay attention to the 30-day period.
5. Accepting a Job Offered by İŞKUR
İŞKUR may offer jobs to unemployed people at certain intervals. If you reject a job that is suitable for you and that suits your competencies without a legitimate reason while receiving unemployment benefits, your unemployment benefits may be cut off.
Example: Zeynep Hanım accepted a job offer made to her by İŞKUR because she found it suitable. However, Burak Bey rejected the offered job without a legitimate reason and therefore his unemployment benefits were cut off.
6. Salary Duration and Amount
Unemployment benefits are paid in varying periods and amounts depending on your employment period:
A salary is paid for 6 months to those who have worked for 600 days in the last 3 years,
for 8 months to those who have worked for 900 days,
for 10 months to those who have worked for 1080 days or more.
Example: Veli Bey has worked for 900 days in the last 3 years and will receive his unemployment benefits for 8 months.
7. Other Income and Social Security
During the period when you receive unemployment benefits, your health insurance premiums are covered by the state, so you can continue to benefit from general health insurance. However, if you receive income from another job at the same time, your unemployment benefit will be cut off.
Example: Ms. Melis became entitled to receive unemployment benefits after being laid off. However, when she found another job after a while and started working, her salary was cut off.
