現在の雇用市場は盛況であり、会社を辞める際の障害は減少している。退職時の失業手当は、生活を支える重要な要素であり、多くの人が新しい仕事を探しながら失業手当を受給している。怪我や病気によって長期の療養が必要な場合もあり、失業手当の受給期間延長が必要になることもある。延長申請には条件があり、具体的な理由には病気や出産、介護、海外赴任、起業等が挙げられる。申請には時間的制限もあり、早めに手続きを進めることが重要だ。
Currently, the job market is booming, and barriers to leaving a company are decreasing. The reasons for leaving a job vary, but one thing that supports life after leaving is the unemployment benefits provided by the Employment Insurance. Some people already have a new job lined up before quitting, but many will be searching for a new job while receiving unemployment benefits. However, in cases like illness or giving birth, even if you intend to work, you may not be able to start working immediately.
Moreover, there are situations where prolonged medical treatment due to injuries or illnesses during job hunting may arise. Can you still receive unemployment benefits when you are unable to find a job immediately?
Here, human resources and labor consultant Keiko Oda explains the extension of the unemployment benefit period to support working individuals.
Extension application for the period of employment insurance benefits
What reasons for inability to work qualify for extension applications?
Points to note when applying for an extension
Conclusion
Can you apply for an extension to the Employment Insurance benefit period?
The so-called unemployment benefits from Employment Insurance are basic financial assistance provided to job seekers. The period for receiving the basic benefits is generally set at one year from the day after resigning. However, in cases where you are unable to work for an extended period due to injury, illness, childbirth, or childcare of a child under 3 years old, the days you can receive the basic benefit within the one-year period are limited. What happens in such cases?
If you are unable to work for 30 days or more during the basic benefit period, you can apply for an extension by contacting Hello Work. The same applies to those who are still receiving health insurance sickness benefits or labor accident insurance compensation after resigning. If you cannot work for more than 30 days, the maximum period you can receive benefits is 3 years. This means that the period you are unable to work is added to the original benefit period of 1 year, extending it to a maximum of 4 years.
Alternatively, if you are unable to work for less than 30 days, there are other relief measures available. If you are unable to work due to injury or illness after job hunting, you can receive basic benefits by reporting to Hello Work within 15 days; however, if it exceeds 15 days, you will not be eligible. In this case, basic assistance is provided for the period you are unable to work. By receiving a medical certificate, you can also receive sickness benefits from labor insurance.
Equivalent benefits are paid and the date of receiving the benefit is considered as the date of receiving the basic benefits. Extension of the benefit period can be requested not only for the period of inability to work but also for other reasons. Some people may want to take a break before starting to look for a new job, especially if they are over 60 years old and have retired. In this case, by notifying within 2 months after the day after resigning, you can extend the benefit period for up to 1 year in addition to the original benefit period.
What reasons for inability to work qualify for extension applications?
What reasons can lead to an extension of the benefit period? To apply for an extension, it is a requirement to be unable to work for more than 30 days; specific reasons can include illness, injury, pregnancy, childbirth, or caring for a child under 3 years old. For example, taking care of a child’s daycare can be considered.
In addition, the period of benefit may be extended if you are caring for a family member who requires constant care, accompanying a spouse on an overseas assignment, or participating in volunteer activities organized by public institutions such as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs). Approval may be granted depending on the situation. The actual certification is at the discretion of Hello Work, so if you wish to extend the benefit period, please consult with Hello Work.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, if you retire after turning 60 or reaching retirement age, you can apply for an extension by stating that you want to take a break. From fiscal year 2020, a special provision for the withholding period for those who have started a business has been introduced. This system is different from the extension of the benefit period but is a special provision that does not extend the operation period of the business for those who start a business or focus on a business after resigning. It is included in the maximum 3-year period of receiving benefits.
In other words, even if you close your business, you can still receive basic benefits if you engage in job search activities. To apply for this exception, you will need documents confirming the date you started the business or decided to focus on the business. Before proceeding with the procedure, it is advisable to check with Hello Work to see if you can apply.
Points to Note When Applying for an Extension
When applying for an extension of the benefit period, it is important to consider when to apply. If you are unable to work for more than 30 days within the one-year basic benefit period after resigning, you will need to apply for an extension after 30 days have passed. You can apply for an extension until the end of the extended benefit period. However, if the application is delayed, you may not be able to receive all the scheduled days of the basic benefit.
For example, even if you apply one month before the end of the application period, you can still apply; however, if the benefit period ends one month later, the payment of basic assistance will be suspended. Please apply as soon as possible while keeping this in mind. In cases of forced resignation, the extension application must be submitted within 2 months from the day after leaving the job. Also, concerning the special provision for the period of benefit for those starting a business, the application deadline is within 2 months from the day after starting the operation of the business or focusing on the business.
Please note that we are only talking about the extension of the benefit period here. People undergoing public vocational training or those who have lost their jobs due to major natural disasters may have their benefit days extended under certain conditions. Each extension system has specific requirements, so please check with Hello Work to see if you are eligible.
Conclusion
When resigning from a job to find a new one, unemployment benefits can be a great help. However, to receive unemployment benefits, you need to actively search for a job and be able to find one quickly. The period you can receive benefits is generally set as one year from the day after resigning. If you have a reason for being unable to work during this period, please consult with Hello Work. By utilizing the benefit period extension system, you can search for jobs without feeling rushed.
●Author: Keiko Oda
Certified social insurance and labor consultant. After graduating from university, opened Oda Social Insurance and Labor Office in 2022 after working in the general affairs department of a major restaurant chain headquarters and the management department of a construction consulting company. Currently, she supports companies as a consultant and also works as a social labor consultant supporting working individuals through pension and life plan consulting, harassment training, and other services. My hobby is appreciating art.
●Organizer/ Kyoto Media Line・