💼 How much is unemployment benefit, and for how long?

Yes

Quick answer

Fifty per cent of the base, for six months — and 730 days is what decides it. Unemployment benefit is 50% of the daily assessment base, paid over a support period of 6 months. The key condition, and the one that sinks most claims, is the insurance record: you need at least 730 days of unemployment insurance in the last 4 years — roughly two years of work within four. Alongside that you must be registered at the labour office as a jobseeker. The application goes to the labour office or the social insurance agency. Important: the benefit is paid by the social insurer, not the labour office — registration and benefit are two different things.

📋 The rules

Benefit: 50% of the daily assessment base
Support period: 6 months
Condition: 730 days of insurance in the last 4 years
Registration at the labour office is required
The benefit is paid by the social insurer

🔓 Exceptions

Registration at the labour office and entitlement to benefit are two different things
The application can be filed at the labour office or the social insurance agency
Without the 730 days, no entitlement to benefit arises

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The commonest and most unpleasant situation: someone registers at the labour office and assumes that this creates an entitlement. It does not. Registration and benefit are two different things — without 730 days of unemployment insurance in the last 4 years, there is simply no entitlement, registered or not. So check your days in advance, ideally before the employment ends — especially if you have alternated between employment and self-employment, since sole traders are insured against unemployment only voluntarily. Registration is still worth it, though: the state pays your health insurance.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

How much is unemployment benefit?

Fifty per cent of the daily assessment base. It is paid by the social insurance agency over a support period of six months.

How long is it paid?

The support period lasts six months. Once it ends the entitlement lapses, even if you remain registered at the labour office as a jobseeker.

What is the main condition?

At least 730 days of unemployment insurance in the last four years — roughly two years of work within four. Without that, no entitlement to benefit arises.

Is registering at the labour office enough?

No. Registration and benefit are two different things. Without meeting the 730-day insurance condition, no entitlement arises even if you are properly registered.

Is registering worth it without the benefit?

Yes. While you are registered, the state pays your health insurance, which is a substantial benefit in itself even where you have no claim to the cash benefit.

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