To apply for unemployment benefits via E-Devlet, the applicant must have a Turkish ID number (T.C. Kimlik No) and an E-Devlet password. Those without a password can obtain an E-Devlet password at the nearest PTT branch using their Turkish ID number.
The steps to apply for unemployment benefits through the E-Devlet system are as follows:
- Log in with your Turkish ID number and password to complete identity verification and access the E-Devlet system.
- From the services menu, open the Türkiye İş Kurumu (İŞKUR) page and select “Unemployment Allowance / Job Loss Compensation Application.”
- Read and approve the information and conditions about the unemployment allowance on the screen that appears. You cannot proceed if you do not accept these conditions.
- After accepting the conditions, a detailed application form will appear. Complete the form accurately and fully. Required information includes the SSK registration number of the workplace you left, the province and district, and the job termination date in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- After entering the required information, click the “Apply” button to submit the application.
İŞKUR evaluates the unemployment benefit application and notifies the applicant whether they are eligible for payments.
The duration of unemployment payments is determined by the number of insured days within the last three years prior to termination of the employment contract. The payment amount is calculated based on the insured worker’s gross earnings during the last four months of employment. Only stamp tax is deducted from the unemployment benefit. Payments can be collected at PTT branches or designated banks using the Turkish ID number.
To begin the İŞKUR unemployment benefit application, first check “I have read, understood and accept the information above” and click the “Continue” button.
In the second step of the unemployment benefit application you will be asked for your “SSK Registration Number” first. You can find this information by checking your SGK service statement. After selecting your province and district and entering the “Job Termination Date,” click “Apply” to complete the process.
What Is Unemployment Benefit?
Unemployment benefit is a payment made under Law No. 4447 on Unemployment Insurance to insured workers who lose their jobs involuntarily and meet the conditions and time limits set out in the law. Eligible individuals receive payments for the duration and amount specified in the legislation.
Unemployment benefits may be paid to employees who are covered by an employment contract, to those affiliated with funds, and to foreign workers working in Turkey with a valid work visa.
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefit?
Another way to apply for unemployment benefit is to visit any İŞKUR branch in person or apply via İŞKUR’s official website. Applications must be made within 30 days following termination of the employment contract at the nearest İŞKUR office. If the application is delayed beyond 30 days for unavoidable reasons, the delayed period is deducted from the total entitlement period.
To receive unemployment benefit, the unemployed person must be ready to take up work. The unemployment benefit application registers or updates the person’s job-seeker record, enabling access to counseling, placement, and vocational training services. Therefore, applications by proxy are not accepted.
How to Apply on the İŞKUR Website?
Unemployment benefit applications can also be made through the İŞKUR website. The steps are:
- Go to the İŞKUR website and log in via “Job Seeker Login” using your Turkish ID number and password. If you are not registered on the İŞKUR site, you must register.
- After logging in, select “Unemployment Benefit Application” from the personal user section.
- An information form will appear. Read it and approve to proceed.
- Enter all required information accurately on the application form.
- After completing the form, click “Save” to submit the application.
- After submission, a confirmation message will be sent to the phone number provided.
What Are the Requirements for Unemployment Benefit?
There are specific conditions to qualify for unemployment benefit. An insured worker must meet the following requirements:
- The worker must have lost their job without their own will or fault,
- They must have been subject to an employment contract for at least the last 120 days before termination,
- They must have paid unemployment insurance premiums for at least 600 days within the three years prior to termination,
- The worker must apply in person to an İŞKUR office or complete the application electronically within 30 days following termination of the employment contract.
How Many Months Can You Receive Unemployment Benefit?
The duration of unemployment benefit depends on how many insured premium days were paid in the three years before the termination of the employment contract.
Specifically, within the three years prior to termination:
- Those with 600 insured days receive 180 days of benefit,
- Those with 900 insured days receive 240 days of benefit,
- Those with 1080 insured days receive 300 days of benefit.
When Can Unemployment Benefit Be Suspended?
Unemployment benefits may be suspended in several cases:
- Those who unreasonably refuse a suitable job offered by İŞKUR within the municipal service area close to their residence and comparable in pay and conditions to their previous job will have payments suspended,
- If inspections reveal the beneficiary worked unregistered during the period they received unemployment benefit, payments will be permanently stopped,
- If the beneficiary begins receiving an old-age pension from any social security institution, payments stop from the pension start date,
- Beneficiaries who unjustifiably refuse or fail to attend vocational training or do not respond to İŞKUR’s calls or fail to submit requested documents on time will have payments suspended. Payments resume if these issues are resolved, but cannot extend beyond the originally determined entitlement period.
How Is Unemployment Benefit Calculated?
İŞKUR calculates the amount of unemployment benefit based on the applicant’s recent earnings and other factors and pays it on a set day each month.
To calculate the monthly benefit, take the average gross wage for the last four months, then apply 40% to that average. Stamp tax is deducted from this amount to determine the final unemployment benefit.
When calculating the allowance, ensure the result falls between the minimum and maximum limits. The minimum is 40% of the gross minimum wage and the maximum is 80% of the gross minimum wage.
A simplified formula for one month’s benefit is: (Total gross earnings for the last 4 months / number of days in those 4 months) * 40% * 30 = net monthly benefit.
Are There Deductions from Unemployment Benefit?
Only stamp tax is deducted from the unemployment benefit. The allowance is not subject to other taxes or deductions and, except for alimony debts, it cannot be seized or transferred to another person.
When Is Unemployment Benefit Paid?
Whether an application is approved is determined by the end of the month in which the application was made. If approved, the monthly payment is paid to the recipient on the 5th of each month. Payment dates and any changes are set by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services.
Beneficiaries can collect their unemployment payments at any PTTBank branch with their Turkish ID card.
How to Create an İŞKUR Profile?
To create an İŞKUR profile on the official site, your Turkish ID information is sufficient. Through the İŞKUR site you can register as a job seeker, contact employers, search vacancies, and apply for unemployment benefits.
Steps to create an İŞKUR profile on the official site:
- Go to the İŞKUR official website.
- Click the “Job Seeker” tab on the homepage.
- Click “Click to Register.”
- In the new window, choose “Job Seeker.”
- Read the membership agreement and click “I accept” to proceed; otherwise registration cannot continue.
- Complete the personal information section accurately.
- Click “Next” to proceed and select job preferences to view suitable listings.
- If you have a disability, you must submit a document showing at least 40% disability to any İŞKUR office.
- If you are an ex-convict, relevant documents must be submitted to the nearest İŞKUR office.
How to Check Your Unemployment Benefit Status?
You can check your unemployment benefit status through E-Devlet. You need your Turkish ID number and E-Devlet password. If you do not have an E-Devlet password, you can obtain one at the nearest PTT branch using your Turkish ID number.
By logging in to the E-Devlet unemployment payments page with your ID and password, you can query unemployment benefit, job loss compensation, and short-time working allowance status.
Can an Employee Who Resigns Receive Unemployment Benefit?
One key condition for unemployment benefit is that the employment contract was terminated by the employer, not at the worker’s voluntary request. If the employee is dismissed due to breaches of conduct such as dishonesty or moral fault, the application is unlikely to be approved even if other formal requirements are met.
A person who voluntarily resigns is generally not eligible for unemployment benefit. However, if someone who had been eligible and receiving unemployment benefit finds a job and then resigns from that job, they may reclaim the remaining entitlement under certain conditions. The main condition is how long they worked in the new job and that the new job was covered by insurance. In short, finding a new job before the unemployment period ends does not necessarily forfeit the remaining entitlement.
If the beneficiary resigns from the new job within the entitled period, they may continue to receive the remaining benefit amount. Beneficiaries should remain registered with İŞKUR to receive assistance and new job opportunities while receiving benefits.
İŞKUR seeks suitable job placements for benefit recipients. If İŞKUR offers a position appropriate to the person’s profession, previous job, and pay, and the recipient refuses it, their benefit may be suspended.
Do Unemployment Benefit Recipients Have Health Insurance?
Those entitled to unemployment benefit are covered by general health insurance during the period they receive the benefit.
When Should I Apply for Unemployment Benefit?
You should apply for unemployment benefit after you receive your job termination document. The application period must not exceed 30 days. Applicants who apply after 30 days can still apply, but the delayed days will be deducted from their payable benefit period.