新型コロナウイルス感染症のパンデミックからの回復と少子化の影響により、労働市場は依然として人手不足となっている。転職活動が一般的になり、失業手当の受給条件や計算方法が重要なテーマとなっている。失業手当の受給条件は離職日以前2年間に12か月以上被保険者期間があることであり、支給金は求職者給付金など4種類に分かれる。失業手当の支給までの流れや再就職手当についても解説されており、転職を考える際に知っておくと良い情報が提供されている。
Due to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of a declining birthrate, the labor market continues to face shortages of workers. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is not a day when you don’t see TV commercials or online ads encouraging job changes. Job changes have become more common now, and many people are considering leaving their current jobs.
One of the concerns when engaging in job search activities after leaving a job is related to financial matters. How many times can you receive unemployment benefits? This article explains unemployment benefits after resignation.
- Eligibility for Receiving Unemployment Benefits
- Calculation Method of Unemployment Benefits
- Process of Receiving Unemployment Benefits
- Conclusion
Eligibility for Receiving Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment insurance benefits come in various types and forms, with the main types being “job seeker benefits,” “employment promotion benefits,” “training benefits,” and “continuing employment benefits.” The most well-known benefit is the “basic allowance” under the job seeker benefits. The basic allowance is aimed at individuals under 65 who have left their jobs, and it is the most widely known benefit among the eligible individuals.
To receive unemployment benefits, it is necessary to have been insured for at least 12 months in the 2 years prior to the date of leaving the job. The insurance period requirement is relaxed to 6 months a year for individuals who have left their jobs due to factors like company bankruptcy, layoffs, or non-renewal of contracts. As long as these conditions are met, anyone who is part-time or full-time employed and enrolled in employment insurance can receive unemployment benefits.
However, to receive unemployment benefits, it is a condition that one must be “ready to work and actively seeking employment.” Individuals who already have a job lined up, those who have started a business, or those planning to focus on household chores are not eligible for benefits. It is crucial to be honest about these facts when applying for unemployment benefits to avoid being considered as fraudulent.
Calculation Method of Unemployment Benefits
Once unemployment benefits are approved, the amount of benefits becomes a point of interest. Unemployment benefits are calculated based on the daily amount that one can receive on the day of unemployment, known as the “basic daily allowance.” The basic daily allowance is calculated by dividing the total wages paid in the 6 months prior to leaving the job by 180 and multiplying by a rate between 45% and 80%. Bonuses are not included in these calculations.
The lower the salary, the higher the benefit rate applied, and there are upper and lower limits set for benefit amounts. The 45% benefit rate is applicable only to individuals aged 60 to less than 65, so it is important to note that the benefit rate for those under 60 can range from 50% to 80%. The actual total amount one can receive depends on the number of days the basic daily allowance is received.
When going through the job seeking process at the Hello Work office, the number of days benefits will be received is determined based on age, insurance period, and reason for leaving the job. The reason for leaving the job is crucial, as individuals who leave due to company reasons can receive more benefits than those who leave voluntarily. People who are forced to leave their jobs due to reasons like company bankruptcy, layoffs, unpaid wages, or overwork are typically recognized as “specified recipients.”
Specified recipient qualifications determine the number of days benefits will be received based on age and insurance period, with a maximum of 330 days. In contrast, individuals who leave their jobs voluntarily, such as for a job change, have a benefit period capped at 150 days if they have been insured for 20 years. Hello Work assesses whether an individual qualifies as a specified recipient based on the reason for leaving the job.
A list of benefit payment dates can be found in Hello Work’s materials for job seekers or online. It might be worth considering this information if you are contemplating resignation.
Process of Receiving Unemployment Benefits
Next, let’s explain the process of actually receiving unemployment benefits. Firstly, when going through the resignation process, inform your company that you wish to receive a notice of dismissal. The separation certificate will not be issued if the company has not completed the qualification loss procedure at Hello Work, so it is advisable to inform them of your desire to receive it if you want to start job searching immediately. Obtain the separation certificate as soon as possible. Once you receive the separation certificate, gather the necessary documents and apply for job search assistance at the Hello Work office.
Once eligibility is determined, a 7-day waiting period is set. These 7 days must be days of unemployment. After the waiting period, the payment of unemployment benefits will begin, but in cases of voluntary resignation or dismissal due to disciplinary action, the benefit may be further restricted for 2-3 months. There are other points to pay attention to, and Hello Work conducts seminars for individuals who have left their jobs, so it is recommended to clarify any doubts during these sessions.
After the benefits start, Hello Work will specify a date for unemployment certification approximately every four weeks. On the certification date, job search records and job statuses will be reviewed to ultimately certify the unemployment and disburse the benefits. Employment status refers to whether there were days of work and income earned during the certification period. If one earns a significant income on a day, it will not be considered as an unemployed day, so it is important to be mindful of this.
Once you secure a new job, the payment of unemployment benefits will stop from that day. If more than one-third of the specified benefit days remain, you may be eligible for a reemployment allowance. It is recommended to check with Hello Work to understand the conditions under which the reemployment allowance can be received.
Conclusion
Unemployment benefits can be complex and overwhelming with a lot of numbers involved. If you are considering a job change, it is beneficial to stay informed about the basic information. For individuals who have resigned, the next step is the period of unemployment. By utilizing support such as unemployment benefits, you can search for jobs with peace of mind.
●Writer/Keiko Oda
●Written by Kyoto Media Line