1. What are the Conditions for Receiving Unemployment Benefits?
In order to benefit from unemployment benefits, an individual who has been laid off must meet certain conditions. These conditions are as follows:
Having become unemployed through no fault of their own: Individuals who resign or whose employment contract is terminated without a justified reason cannot receive unemployment benefits. For example, while a person who is laid off due to poor performance can receive unemployment benefits, a person who is laid off due to indiscipline cannot benefit from this right.
Having worked as an insured for the last 120 days before leaving work: This period must be completed without interruption. For example, premium payments must have been made for 120 days without interruption before leaving work.
Having paid unemployment insurance premiums for at least 600 days in the last 3 years: In order to be entitled to unemployment benefits, premiums must have been paid for a certain period of time within the scope of unemployment insurance in the last 3 years.
Applying to İŞKUR within 30 days of the date of layoff: This period is very important for the validity of the unemployment benefit request. Late applications may result in loss of rights.
2. How Much and How Long Can Unemployment Benefits Be Received?
The amount of unemployment benefit is calculated based on the person’s gross earnings for the last four months and paid according to a certain rate. However, unemployment benefit cannot exceed 80% of the gross minimum wage. For example:
Amount Paid: Unemployment benefit is determined by a rate of 40% calculated based on the person’s average gross earnings for the last four months. If a person’s monthly gross salary is 10,000 TL, this person can receive 4,000 TL as unemployment benefit.
Duration: Unemployment benefit varies according to the worker’s length of employment:
Those who paid 600 days of premium in the last 3 years can receive unemployment benefit for 6 months,
Those who paid 900 days of premium for 8 months,
Those who paid 1080 days of premium for 10 months.
3. How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment benefits can be applied for directly to İŞKUR. Applications can be made online through İŞKUR’s website or by going to İŞKUR. The requested documents are as follows:
Dismissal notification
Identity document
4. Other Rights for Persons Benefiting from Unemployment Benefits
Individuals receiving unemployment benefits are not limited to salary support only. İŞKUR also provides various supports to unemployed individuals:
General Health Insurance (GSS): Health insurance premiums of individuals receiving unemployment benefits are covered by the state.
Employment Support: İŞKUR provides job search services to individuals receiving unemployment benefits and can direct them to vocational training programs.
5. Unemployment Benefit Examples
Example 1: Mr. Mehmet has been working at the same workplace for the last 3 years and has paid premiums for 900 days. The employer dismissed Mr. Mehmet due to economic reasons. Mr. Mehmet is entitled to receive unemployment benefits for 8 months by applying for unemployment benefits.
Example 2: Ms. Ayşe has resigned from her job of her own volition. Ms. Ayşe cannot benefit from this right since she left her job of her own volition, despite applying for unemployment benefits.
6. What to Consider When Receiving Unemployment Benefits?
There are also some rules to follow when receiving unemployment benefits:
When a suitable job is offered to you by İŞKUR, do not reject this job offer without a justified reason.
Participate in vocational training courses.
Apply for unemployment benefits within the specified period.
