現在の就職市場は活況であり、辞めるハードルは低くなっています。退職後すぐに役立つのが失業給付であり、病気や出産で退職した場合は受給期間延長が可能です。失業手当を受け取るためには積極的に求職活動をしていることが条件であり、延長の条件や申請方法も紹介されています。特に、60歳以上の退職者や起業家には特例が設けられています。全体的に、失業保険給付は新しい仕事を探す際に大きな支援となりますが、条件を満たすことが重要です。
As the job market is thriving, the barrier to quitting has decreased. The reasons for leaving a job vary from person to person, but one immediate benefit post-resignation is the unemployment benefits provided by employment insurance. Some individuals decide on their next job before quitting, while many others search for the next job while receiving unemployment benefits. However, there are also people who may be unable to work immediately despite having the intention to find a job due to illness or childbirth.
Additionally, during job hunting, there may be cases where individuals are required to undergo long-term treatments due to injuries or illnesses. Can one still receive unemployment benefits in such cases where they are unable to work due to illness? This article delves into the topic of extending the period of receiving unemployment benefits, with insights from human resources and labor consultant Keiko Oda.
Table of Contents
– Is it possible to apply for an extension of the unemployment insurance benefit period?
– What are the reasons that qualify for extension application due to inability to work?
– Key points to consider when applying for an extension
– Generalization
Is it possible to apply for an extension of the unemployment insurance benefit period?
Unemployment insurance, also known as unemployment benefits, is a fundamental support provided to job seekers. The period of receiving basic benefits is generally one year post-resignation. However, if situation arises where one is unable to work for an extended period due to injuries, illnesses, childbirth, or childcare, the number of days they can receive basic benefits over a year may be limited. What then happens to the benefit period in such cases?
If one cannot work for more than 30 days during the period of receiving basic benefits, they can contact Hello Work (Employment Service Centers) to apply for an extension of the benefit period. The same applies to those who are still receiving health insurance sickness benefits after resigning or those receiving workers’ compensation for work-related injuries. In cases where one cannot work for over 30 days, the maximum period they can receive benefits is three years. This means that the period during which one is unable to work is added to the original one-year period of receiving public assistance, extending it to a maximum of four years.
In case the period of inability to work is less than 30 days, there are other relief measures available. If one becomes unable to work due to injuries within 15 days of finding a job, they can apply to Hello Work for basic benefits, but if it exceeds 15 days, they are considered unable to work. In such cases, they can obtain a medical certificate to receive unemployment insurance sickness benefits.
This system provides benefits equal to the amount of basic benefits on the days when basic benefits are paid. The extension of the benefit payment is also possible during the unemployment period. People over 60 who retire and wish to take a break before seeking a new job may apply for an extension of the benefit period by up to one year, based on the initial payment period, if the application is made within two months post-resignation.
What are the reasons that qualify for the extension of benefits due to inability to work?
What are the reasons for extending benefits? While the condition for extension application is the inability to work for 30 days or more, specific reasons such as illness, injury, pregnancy, childbirth, caring for children under three, care for family members requiring constant care, accompanying a spouse on an overseas assignment, and participation in volunteer activities coordinated by public agencies such as the Youth Overseas Cooperation Corps lead to an extension of the benefit period. There may be instances where an extension for a specific period is allowed. Whether or not one is granted an extension depends on Hello Work’s judgment, so those wishing to extend the benefit period should consult with Hello Work.
As mentioned earlier, those who retire due to reaching the age of 60 or other reasons can apply for an extension due to suspension of work. Additionally, since 2020, a new special rule regarding payment periods has been established for entrepreneurs. This system, unlike the extension of the benefit period, allows individuals starting a business after retirement or focusing on their career to have the period of engagement in business not counted towards the benefit period.
In other words, even if one closes their business, they can still receive basic benefits when they secure new employment. To apply for this exception, documentation confirming the date the business commenced or the decision to focus on the business is required. Before proceeding with the application process, it is advisable to consult with Hello Work to confirm eligibility.
Key points to consider when applying for an extension
When applying for an extension of the benefit period, it is essential to consider when to submit the application. If one is unable to work for 30 days or more during the one-year basic benefit period post-resignation, they need to apply for an extension of the benefit period after 30 days have passed. The application must be submitted before the final day of the extended benefit period. However, if the application is delayed, there might be cases where the necessary days of the basic benefit period are not paid out.
For instance, even if the application is made one month before the end of the application period, it is still possible, but if the extended benefit period ends one month later, the payment of the basic benefit will be suspended. Therefore, it is crucial to apply as soon as possible. The application for an extension post-resignation must be made within two months from the date of separation. Regarding the special rule for the benefit period due to entrepreneurship, the application period starts from the day after starting the business or from the day one decides to focus on the business.
It is important to note that we are specifically discussing the extension of the benefit period here. Individuals undergoing public vocational training or those who have lost their job due to significant natural disasters, for example, may have their benefit days extended if they meet certain conditions. Each extension system has specific conditions, so it is advisable to check with Hello Work to determine eligibility.
Generalization
Unemployment benefits provide significant assistance when individuals resign from their jobs to seek new opportunities. However, to receive unemployment benefits, one must actively search for a job and be able to find a job promptly. The period for which benefits can be received is generally one year from the resignation date. In cases where things do not go as planned within this period, it is advisable to consult with Hello Work. By utilizing the benefit extension system, individuals can take their time to find employment without feeling rushed.
● Editor: Keiko Oda
Social insurance labor consultant. After graduating from university, Keiko worked in the general affairs department of a food and beverage chain headquarters and the management department of a construction consulting company before establishing Oda Social Insurance Labor Consultant Office in 2022. Currently, she supports companies as a human resources labor consultant, while also engaging in pension and life plan consulting, harassment training, and social labor consulting to support workers. Keiko’s hobby is art appreciation.
● Composition/ Kyoto Media Line・