State supports in 2020 have been expanded with several new assistance models. Due to the global spread of COVID-19, various restrictions and measures were introduced in our country, and some decisions were taken. Under these regulations, the working hours of certain workplaces and institutions were reduced or operations were temporarily suspended. As a result, some employers placed staff on unpaid leave, while others reduced their workforce. The support for those dismissed was created specifically for individuals affected by these measures. Once the related regulations are finalized, the rules and implementation procedures will be announced.
What Is Unpaid Leave Wage Support?
Unpaid leave wage support refers to the financial aid provided to workers who have been put on unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 outbreak and therefore do not receive a salary during that leave period. This support is determined by the government and payments are expected to be made through İŞKUR. To receive the unpaid leave wage support, individuals must submit documentation proving they were placed on unpaid leave along with any other required documents to the relevant authorities. Because regulations are still being finalized, some details remain unclear. As decisions are clarified, the content and specifics of the program will be published.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Unpaid Leave Wage Support?
Details about applications for unpaid leave wage support will be announced after the final regulations are issued. For now, the primary condition announced is that the individual must have been placed on leave not by their own choice. With additional conditions set out in the forthcoming announcements, the full list of people eligible for the support for those dismissed will be clearly defined. Applications will be accepted until the final application deadline, and after review, eligible individuals will be identified and notified.
How to Apply for Unpaid Leave Wage Support?
Although the exact authority to receive unpaid leave wage support applications has not been formally confirmed, it is expected that applications will be handled by İŞKUR. Applicants who wish to benefit from the wage support should submit the required documents and written statements to İŞKUR.
How Long Will Unpaid Leave Wage Support Be Paid?
There is no definitive information on the duration of unpaid leave support yet. However, many discussions suggest the support period may be at least three months and up to six months.
What Is Unemployment Benefit?
Unemployment benefit is a monthly financial aid provided to individuals who have lost their jobs for any reason. Individuals can apply for this benefit within 30 days after becoming unemployed. To qualify, job loss must occur for reasons beyond the employee’s own will, or the individual’s employment relationship must have been terminated. Applicants must complete all necessary paperwork accurately and guarantee the truth of the information provided; otherwise applications may be rejected and legal action could be initiated.
What Are the Application Requirements for Unemployment Benefit?
Those who wish to apply for unemployment benefit can use the e-Government platform or İŞKUR’s official website. Alternatively, applicants can apply in person at İŞKUR provincial or district centers. The application must be made within 30 days of becoming unemployed. To use the e-Government portal, applicants must log in through the official login page.
Required conditions and documents for application are as follows:
- The person must be unemployed for reasons other than their own will or due to disability.
- The last 120 days of the employment contract are taken into account.
- Within the three years prior to termination, at least 600 days of unemployment insurance premiums must have been paid.
- The applicant must apply within 30 days of the contract termination by visiting the nearest İŞKUR center, via the e-Government platform, or via İŞKUR’s official website.
- Premiums must have been paid without gaps during the last 120 days of the employment contract.
In addition to this support, eligible individuals may also receive:
- Health insurance premium coverage
- Unemployment allowance
- Vocational development and training programs
How Long Is Unemployment Benefit Paid?
The duration of unemployment benefit has been updated through regulations. The number of days an individual can receive unemployment benefit depends on the total paid premium days during their employment at the terminating employer. Accordingly, benefit durations are as follows:
- Individuals who paid unemployment insurance premiums for 600 days receive 180 days of benefit,
- Those with 900 days of premiums receive 240 days,
- Those with 1,080 days of premiums receive 300 days of unemployment benefit.
Where Is Unemployment Benefit Received?
You can apply for unemployment benefit through the e-Government platform and check application results there as well. Beneficiaries who are eligible will receive their payment deposited into their bank account on the 5th day of each month. Previously, application results were sent by post to applicants’ addresses; now applicants can view results on the e-Government platform and receive SMS notifications about the outcome.
How Is Unemployment Benefit Calculated?
The calculation of unemployment benefit is based on a percentage of the gross minimum wage under specified rules. Changes to the minimum wage affect unemployment benefit amounts. While the benefit is calculated from the gross minimum wage and represents a minimum floor, eligible applicants who meet required premium day thresholds may receive amounts higher than the minimum based on their submitted documents and earnings history.
Because calculation depends on individual circumstances and monthly deductions vary, there is no single standard formula. Benefit calculations take into account all applicable conditions for each person, so amounts differ from one applicant to another.
How Much Was Unemployment Benefit in 2020?
The unemployment benefit amount is calculated from the gross minimum wage, so the 2020 minimum wage increase affected unemployment payments. As evaluated in 2020, the minimum unemployment benefit was determined to be 1,177 TL and the maximum 2,354 TL. When calculating the amount, a percentage of the applicant’s last four months’ wages is also considered. However, the unemployment benefit cannot exceed 80% of the individual’s gross wage while employed.
What Is Premium Support?
Premium support is one component of the broader support packages that include assistance for those dismissed. This support is announced based on statements from İŞKUR and the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services, and is provided to individuals who meet the specified conditions.