Am I entitled to unemployment benefit?
Conditional: you need involuntary unemployment and enough contributions. To qualify: unemployment must be involuntary, you need the qualifying period of 360 days of contributions in the last 24 months, and you must register at the IEFP as a jobseeker and be available for work. The benefit is paid by Social Security and equals 65% of the reference earnings. In 2026, with the IAS at €537.13, the maximum is 2.5 × IAS = €1,342.83/month. There's a 10% reduction after 180 days. You must claim it within 90 days of becoming unemployed. The duration ranges from ~150 to 540 days, by age and contributory career. In short: yes, if it's involuntary and you have contributions.
📋 The rules
- Involuntary unemployment and IEFP registration
- Qualifying period: 360 days of contributions in 24 months
- Amount: 65% of reference earnings
- 2026 maximum: 2.5 × IAS = €1,342.83/month
- Claim within 90 days; 10% cut after 180 days
🔓 Exceptions
- Voluntary resignation (leaving on request): generally excluded
- 180 (not 360) days: may give a means-tested social benefit
- Self-employed: a separate regime
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "fine" — what's at stake is the right to the benefit. If unemployment is voluntary (you left on request), you generally have no right to the benefit. The amount is 65% of reference earnings, with a minimum of 1 IAS and a maximum of 2.5 IAS (€1,342.83 in 2026), with a 10% reduction after 180 days. The IAS values and the benefit ceiling are updated yearly. Brazil's regime ("seguro-desemprego," linked to FGTS) is different. To receive it: register at the IEFP, claim the benefit within 90 days, prove the 360 days of contributions, and stay available and active in job-seeking, on pain of suspension.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Who is entitled to unemployment benefit?
Those who became involuntarily unemployed, have the qualifying period of 360 days of contributions in the last 24 months, register at the IEFP as a jobseeker and are available for work. The benefit is paid by Social Security. Voluntary resignation, as a rule, excludes the right.
What's the amount of the benefit?
The benefit equals 65% of the reference earnings, calculated from previous wages. It has a minimum of 1 IAS and a maximum of 2.5 times the IAS, which in 2026 is €1,342.83 a month. After 180 days, the amount is reduced by 10%.
How long does the benefit last?
The duration depends on age and contributory career, ranging from about 150 days to 540 days. Older workers with long careers have longer periods, with extra days for each five years of long career. The values and rules are updated periodically.
Do I have to register somewhere?
Yes. You must register at the IEFP as a jobseeker, be available for work and actively seek a job. You must also claim the benefit from Social Security within 90 days of becoming unemployed. A lack of availability can lead to suspension of the benefit.
What if I leave on my own?
As a rule, voluntary resignation, i.e. leaving at the worker's request, doesn't give a right to unemployment benefit, as it isn't an involuntary situation. There are exceptions, such as termination with just cause. Those with only 180 days of contributions may access the means-tested social benefit.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “unemployment benefit requirements 2026”
- “qualifying period 360 days”
- “unemployment benefit amount 65”
- “unemployment benefit maximum ias”
- “iefp registration unemployment”
- “voluntary resignation benefit”