From unemployment to employment — the roadmap for returning to the labour market

Step 1 — register at the Employment Service (within 14 days)

Register within 14 days of job loss at taasuka.gov.il. Every day of delay means additional waiting days on unemployment benefits. Bring national ID and Form 161 from employer.

Unemployment benefits (2026)

Up to 3 years seniority: 50 days. 3–5 years: 100 days. 5+: 138 days. Rate: 80% for first 2 months, then 75%. Cap: ~₪13,500/month.

Step 2 — BTL income support

If not entitled to unemployment benefits, check BTL eligibility: income under ₪4,500/person. Amount: ₪2,200–₪4,500/month. Apply at National Insurance Institute.

Step 3 — free vocational assessment

Request on registration day. 2–3 sessions with a counsellor produce a personal action plan.

Step 4 — funded training up to 12 months

Full tuition plus monthly stipend ₪3,000–₪5,500. Main tracks: Tech-Career/ENP (junior dev, QA, cyber), ORT Israel (construction trades), health colleges (nursing).

Step 5 — job placement assistance

Employment Service personal counsellor for CV, job search, interview prep. Lamarkhak (JDC) — 11 centres, 12-month mentor, no referral needed.

Common mistakes

Missing Employment Service appointments (₪360 fine per miss). Not flagging affirmative representation on public-sector applications. Not using funded training.

Average timeline (JDC 2024 community data)

Without training: 2–4 months. With training: 9–14 months (but higher salary outcome). Average: 4–7 months from registration to employment.