Unemployment insurance in Turkey provides financial support and job placement services to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Managed by the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), this program ensures that eligible workers can maintain a basic income while seeking new employment. The system is divided into three main categories: Unemployment Benefit, Job Loss Compensation, and the Wage Guarantee Fund.

Unemployment Benefit

Unemployment benefit is available to insured employees who lose their jobs involuntarily and meet specific conditions under Turkish labor law. To qualify, individuals must have worked under a labor contract for the last 120 days prior to termination, paid unemployment insurance premiums for at least 600 days within the last three years, and apply to İŞKUR within 30 days after their employment ends.

The benefit includes monthly financial assistance, general health insurance coverage, job placement support, and access to vocational training programs. The length of the benefit period depends on how long the individual has paid into the insurance system over the past three years:

1. 600 days of premiums: 180 days of payment
2. 900 days of premiums: 240 days of payment
3. 1,080 days of premiums: 300 days of payment

The amount paid is calculated as 40% of the individual's average gross earnings from the last four months, but it cannot exceed 80% of the monthly gross minimum wage. The only deduction applied is the stamp tax. Below are example calculations for 2024:

Applications must be submitted in person at İŞKUR or online via www.iskur.gov.tr. If submitted late without a valid reason, the delay reduces the benefit period. During the benefit period, recipients are also registered as job seekers and must be ready to work. Payments are suspended if the recipient refuses suitable job offers or fails to participate in required training.

Job Loss Compensation

Job loss compensation is provided to workers whose employment ends due to privatization or restructuring within public institutions. To qualify, the employee must apply to İŞKUR within 30 days after their employment ends. The payment period is based on uninterrupted employment duration:

1. 550 days: 90 days of compensation
2. 1,100 days: 120 days
3. 1,650 days: 180 days
4. 2,200 days: 240 days

The compensation amount is equal to twice the net daily minimum wage at the time of termination. For workers with disabilities (legally designated 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree), the amount is four times the net daily minimum wage. İŞKUR also assists recipients with job placement, vocational training, and ensures social security premiums are paid during the compensation period.

Wage Guarantee Fund

The Wage Guarantee Fund protects employees when an employer is unable to pay wages due to bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar legal financial difficulties. Eligible workers can receive up to three months’ worth of unpaid wages if they were employed under a valid labor contract and insured under Law No. 4447.

To apply, the employee must submit one of the following documents to İŞKUR:

1. Court-issued certificate of insolvency or lien record
2. Official bankruptcy announcement published in the Commercial Registry Gazette or a widely circulated national newspaper
3. Concordatum decision issued by the court or trade registry

Once the application is verified, payments are made by the end of the following month. The fund ensures that employees receive their due wages even in cases where employers face severe financial issues.

Conclusion

Turkey’s unemployment insurance system offers essential support for individuals facing job loss, helping them cover basic expenses while they search for new employment. Through a combination of monthly payments, health insurance coverage, job matching services, and training programs, İŞKUR provides a structured and supportive path back into the workforce.

To check your eligibility or begin the application process, visit your local İŞKUR office or apply online at www.iskur.gov.tr.