The National Insurance Institute publishes data on those eligible for unemployment benefits for March 2026, upon completion of processing claims: Alongside the surge in the number of those put on unpaid leave, gender gaps appeared in the rates of unemployment and unpaid leave.
The National Insurance Institute presents today a comprehensive snapshot of the labor market in the shadow of the 'Roaring Lion' war, based on claims data whose processing was completed by April 24, 2026. The findings reveal that a total of 198,871 citizens were found eligible for unemployment benefits for the month of March alone, and show a worsening in the rate of women who were excluded from the workforce - which stands at only about 55% of all benefit recipients of in normal times, while during the war period the figure rose to 63% of all eligible for unemployment benefits.
Breakdown of current unemployment data:
- Total scope of eligibility: A total of 198,871 citizens were found eligible for unemployment benefits for the month of March.
- Gender breakdown: 63% of all eligible people are women (124,864 women compared to 74,007 men).
- Daily benefit amount: Gaps were found – men received an average of NIS 275.8 per day, while women received only NIS 217.6 per day. The total amount is NIS 239.3 – We note that the unemployment benefit rate is in line with the salary level.
- Parents of children under the age of 14: 45% of eligible women (56,800) and 43% of eligible men (31,700) are parents of young children.
Data on unpaid leave:
- Eligibility due to unpaid leave: 110,220 citizens are eligible for unemployment benefits for the month of March due to going on unpaid leave.
- New claims (determining date in March): Among the unpaid leave group, approximately 73,100 people (66%) are new claimants*.
- New claimants not on unpaid leave: In addition to those going on unpaid leave, another 19,300 people joined the unemployment circle in March (fired or resigned) who were not eligible for benefits in February.
- Women on unpaid leave: The proportion of women among those put on unpaid leave is even higher, at 68% (75,460 women).
- Average age: The average age of those seeking unemployment due to the war is 40.
In addition to the response provided to job seekers in the unemployment cycle, the National Insurance Institute also provides a designated safety net for the population of senior citizens (aged 67+) whose livelihoods were affected due to the security situation:
Assistance grants for those aged 67+:
- Assistance grants for those aged 67 and over ("Roaring Lion" grant): In the first installment of the grant payment, approximately 5,501 insured persons were found eligible out of 9,244 claims examined for the period of hostilities. Those eligible received the payment last Friday, April 24.
- Cost of grants and eligibility conditions: Total payments amounted to NIS 19,359,284. The grant is intended for those aged 67 and over who were laid off or placed on unpaid leave (at the initiative of the employer or employee) for a continuous period of at least 10 days starting from February 28, 2026.
- Continued claims examination: Approximately 3,743 additional applications are currently being examined. The examination is being carried out for them following continued actual work or the absence of a report from the employer about the cessation of work. The National Insurance Institute is about to make an additional payment transfer in the coming days, upon completion of the required data and reports.
The National Insurance Institute: "We consistently see the effects of war and states of emergency on the employment situation of Israeli citizens. The most worrying figure is the harm to women and mothers of young children, who constitute the absolute majority of those who are placed on unpaid leave. The National Insurance Institute will continue to serve as a safety net during this period, while emphasizing access to rights and providing a rapid response to groups affected by the current military operation."