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Unemployment Benefit — Complete Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis in Kiryat Shmona
Anyone who worked at least 12 months in the last 18 months and lost their job is entitled to unemployment benefit. You must register at the Employment Service within 14 days of job loss. Benefit: 45–80% of last salary.
About Kiryat Shmona
Kiryat Shmona, located in the Upper Galilee, hosts a small Israeli-Ethiopian community that enjoys the scenery and proximity to nature. The real-estate market offers properties at very low prices, alongside known security challenges.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who worked at least 12 of the last 18 months (with National Insurance contributions), lost their job without fault (dismissal, contract expiry, business closure — not voluntary resignation), and registered at the Employment Service within 14 days of job loss.
Benefit Rate
- Single, no children (months 1–3): 50% of last salary
- From month 4: 45%
- With children or sole breadwinner: 60–80%
- Daily cap: approx. ₪800 (2025)
Duration
- Age 25–35: 70 days
- Age 35–45: 100 days
- Age 45–67: 138 days
How to Apply
- Go to the nearest Employment Service office within 14 days — every late day means lost benefit.
- Bring: ID, termination letter, last 3 salary slips, employment-period confirmation.
- BTL entitlement activates automatically — no separate claim needed in most cases.
Appeal
If rejected: appeal in writing within 30 days. TEBEKA (072-2424622) can assist with representation before BTL and the Labour Court.
Ethiopian community in Kiryat Shmona
- Community population
- ~1,000
- Share of city
- ~6%
- Main neighbourhoods
- מרכז, דרום
- Community services
- ENP, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Kiryat Shmona
This right in other cities
FAQ — Kiryat Shmona
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Kiryat Shmona?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Kiryat Shmona numbers approximately ~1,000 residents — around ~6% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: מרכז, דרום.
- How do I claim Unemployment Benefit — Complete Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis in Kiryat Shmona?
- Contact the Kiryat Shmona Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Kiryat Shmona for this right?
- In Kiryat Shmona, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
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