Athlete on a break

​Professional athletes who are on a break may be eligible for unemployment benefits, in accordance with the conditions set out in the law.

Here you can find all the information about your eligibility for unemployment benefits, including what is the status of an outstanding athlete, what are the eligibility conditions, how to file a claim, how to fill out the declaration and how unemployment benefits are calculated. 

Who is considered a professional athlete?

Professional athletes are those whose main occupation is sports and who receive payment for it. In order to be considered a professional, the following two conditions must be met:

• A written employment contract signed in advance.
• Receiving a salary for the sports activity.

If you do not meet these two conditions, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits as a professional athlete. If there is any doubt about your status, your file will be reviewed by the appropriate authorities at the National Insurance Institute.

What are the conditions for eligibility for unemployment benefits during the break?

If you are a professional athlete and are on a break, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits, as long as the following conditions are met:

1. You are not working or training during the break.
2. You do not have a new contract signed with a sports association (either with the previous association or with another association).
3. You meet the general conditions for eligibility for unemployment benefits, like any other unemployed person.
4. You fill out the athlete declaration in an orderly manner every month.

Eligibility will be reviewed until the date a new contract begins or training begins – whichever comes first.

Please note: If you have a multi-year contract or if you already have a signed contract with a sports association at the beginning of the break (even if it starts after the break), you will be considered to be in continuous employment, and you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits during the break.

How to file a claim for unemployment benefits?

Filing a claim for unemployment benefits is like any regular claim process, and you will need to follow these steps:

• Register and report to the Employment Service.
• File a claim for unemployment benefits with the National Insurance Institute.
• Attach the completed and signed athlete's declaration.
• Meet the conditions set forth by law.

Athlete's declaration

As part of the process of checking your eligibility, you must complete the "Declaration of an Athlete Claiming Unemployment Benefits." (in Hebrew)

Here's what's important to know about the declaration:

• It must be completed monthly.
• The declaration must be signed by both you and an official representative of your sports association.
• The declaration will be reviewed and used as the basis for continued payment of unemployment benefits.
• If you play in the top football leagues, your contract will only be considered valid if it is also signed by the budget control.

Amount of unemployment benefits

The amount of your unemployment benefits will be calculated according to the rules that apply to all unemployed people. If your claim is approved and you are eligible for unemployment benefits during the break, the unemployment benefits will be calculated based on your 6 months of employment before the start of the break.