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Unemployment Insurance — Everything You Need to Know 2026 in Jerusalem
Register on the first day after dismissal at the Employment Service. Unemployment insurance: up to 70% of your salary, up to 175 days.
About Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel's capital, hosts a large Israeli-Ethiopian community concentrated historically in the Gondar neighbourhood in the north and with significant presence in Kiryat HaYovel and other areas. The city is home to the Centre for Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and several traditional synagogues led by kessim, alongside a broad housing market.
What is Unemployment Insurance?
An NII payment for people who have lost their job and are searching for new employment. Up to 70% of salary (months 1-4), 60% (month 5+). Maximum 175 days. Maximum daily: 340 ILS (2026).
Key Conditions
Salaried employee dismissed (not resigned — critical!). Worked at least 12 months in the past 18. Registered with Employment Service on the first day after dismissal. Not working / not earning above threshold.
Critical Steps
- Day of dismissal: get "end of employment confirmation" from employer
- Next day: register with Employment Service (no delay!)
- Within two weeks: file claim at BTL
- Monthly: sign "unemployed declaration" at BTL
📞 BTL: 08-6709709 | Employment Service: 1-800-300-026
Ethiopian community in Jerusalem
- Community population
- ~30,000
- Share of city
- ~4%
- Main neighbourhoods
- גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב
- Community services
- מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP
More rights in Jerusalem
This right in other cities
FAQ — Jerusalem
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Jerusalem?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Jerusalem numbers approximately ~30,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב.
- How do I claim Unemployment Insurance — Everything You Need to Know 2026 in Jerusalem?
- Contact the Jerusalem Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
- What community support is available in Jerusalem for this right?
- In Jerusalem, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
Related rights
NII Benefits for Discharged Soldiers — All Allowances
A discharged soldier is entitled to NII benefits: health insurance, 30-day unemployment buffer and more depending on circumstances. Contact NII on day one.
Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.
High-Risk Pregnancy Benefit — Rights for Working Women
A woman ordered to bed rest by a doctor is entitled to 100% of her salary from NII directly. No employer approval needed.
Severance Pay — The Right Everyone Needs to Know
Every employee dismissed after one full year of work is entitled to severance: one month's last salary per year of work — calculated on last salary, not average.