Dear citizens,
The outline of unpaid leave has been agreed upon and is expected to be voted on in the Knesset during the next week (29-31.3.2026).
It is important to note that after the legislation, there will be an implementation and implementation process that includes: updating the National Insurance Information Systems in accordance with the sections of the legislation, so that payments will be transferred to each citizen according to their individual case, reviewing citizens' claims for unpaid leave, cross-referencing data with employers and the Employment Service.
According to the law, the outline is valid (during the emergency period) - until 14.4.2026.
If the security situation continues, the government will consider extending the outline for another month (until 14.5.2026).
A special grant the 67+ has been decided, for more details click here
To confirm eligibility, you must ensure that you have sent the National Insurance:
Unemployment benefit amount
The amount of unemployment benefits will be determined according to the salary level, for the table of amounts click here (the amounts will range from 30 to 70 percent of the salary)
Remark
Those who submit the application for unemployment benefits by April 9, 2026, the National Insurance Institute will make every effort to pay during the month of April. Payments will be made during April and May.
Eligibility conditions
- Those who have been on unpaid leave for at least 10 days (instead of 30 days) - on their own initiative or at the initiative of the employer.
- A work period (qualification) of 6 months of work out of 18 months has been accumulated (instead of 12 months out of 18)
- Special populations for whom the work period (qualification) has been shortened to 3 months out of 18 (instead of 12 months out of 18):
Persons evacuated in operation "Roaring Lion"
| 3 month
| Evacuation confirmation from the local authority
|
People with disabilities: - Recipients of disability pension from the National Insurance or the Ministry of Defense
- Eligible for a 3-month income tax exemption
| 3 month
| Confirmation of receipt of a benefit or confirmation of eligibility
|
Spouses of reservists - who served at least 90 days in the year preceding unemployment
| 3 month
| Confirmation form for spouse's reserve service days
|
Hostile actions casualties/IDF disabled from October 7th recognized by the Ministry of Defense
| 3 month
| Confirmation of recognition from the Ministry of Defense
|
Sons and daughters of hostile actions casualties/IDF disabled from October 7th recognized by the Ministry of Defense
| 3 month
| Confirmation of recognition of the victim from the Ministry of Defense
|
Soldiers discharged from the past year
| 3 month
| No need to submit additional forms |
The required forms must be attached to the unemployment benefit claim submission form.
Important to know!
- Eligibility will also be granted to those who did not take vacation days.
- Eligibility will be granted in full, without deduction of the first 5 days.
- Self-employed and salaried - Eligibility will be granted based on payment as an employee, income deduction as a self-employed person will be made according to a declaration and approval from an accountant or tax advisor. (Valid only for the period 28.2.26 to 14.4.26)
- An unemployed person who was eligible for unemployment under "Rising Lion" and went on unpaid leave again, will be entitled to unemployment benefits for the entire period of the emergency leave even if he has completed the days of eligibility.
- Eligibility relief for the returning unemployed (who are under 40 years old) - Anyone who was placed on unpaid leave after being unemployed for one of the last 3 years and went on unpaid leave again, will be entitled to unemployment benefits during the emergency period even if he has completed the days of eligibility.
- If you received wages from your employer for the period of unpaid leave - you are not entitled to unemployment benefits. In such a case, a full or partial offset will be made with the employer.
Maternity
A pregnant woman who went on unpaid leave and gave birth while on unpaid leave will have the unpaid leave period accrued as a qualifying (work) period for maternity allowance.
Insured Classification Order
Freelancers, instructors, lecturers, teachers, artists and tour guides who meet the insured classification order whose work was terminated as a result of the war may be entitled to unemployment benefits. The form must be attached to each unemployment claim.
Filing an application for eligibility
If you have already filed a claim during the "Rising Lion" war, there is no need to file a new claim - it is enough to re-register with the Employment Service and have your employer report to the National Insurance Institute the date of termination of work and the reason (using Form 100).
If you did not file a claim in the "Rising Lion":
- Submit an unemployment benefit claim on the National Insurance website
- Register on the Employment Service website
- Make sure that the employer reports the exact start dates to the National Insurance (Form 100)