Yes, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits (koyo hoken, 雇用保険) in Japan if you resign from your job, but the process and benefits differ depending on whether you resigned voluntarily or were involuntarily terminated (e.g., laid off, company bankruptcy). Here's how it works:
Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Japan, you must meet these conditions:
- Enrollment in Employment Insurance (雇用保険, Koyo Hoken):
Your employer must have enrolled you in the system. This is mandatory for most employees working 20 hours or more per week.
- Duration of Employment:
You must have been employed and paying into the system for at least 6 months within the last 2 years.
- Actively Seeking Employment:
You must demonstrate that you are actively looking for work and willing to accept job offers.
Resignation vs. Involuntary Termination
- Voluntary Resignation (自己都合退職, jikokudō rishoku):
If you resign voluntarily, you may still receive unemployment benefits, but:
There is a waiting period of 3 months before payments begin.
Benefits are usually paid for a shorter duration compared to involuntary termination.
- Involuntary Termination (会社都合退職, kaishakō rishoku):
If you are laid off or terminated due to company circumstances, benefits are more favorable:
The waiting period is only 7 days.
You may receive benefits for a longer duration.
Steps to Claim Unemployment Benefits
- Obtain Your Separation Notice (離職票, rishokuhyo):
Your employer must provide this document, which states the reason for your separation and employment details.
- Visit Hello Work (ハローワーク):
Go to the nearest Hello Work office to apply for unemployment benefits.
Bring these documents:
Rishokuhyo (separation notice).
Residence Card.
Bank account information.
Personal seal (inkan).
Passport (if required).
- Complete the Application:
Fill out the required forms and register for job placement assistance.
- Participate in Mandatory Sessions:
Attend job-seeking seminars or sessions as required by Hello Work.
Duration and Payment Amount
- Benefit Period:
Based on your age, employment duration, and the reason for leaving the job:
90–150 days for voluntary resignation.
90–330 days for involuntary termination.
- Payment Amount:
Approximately 50–80% of your average daily salary over the last 6 months of employment.
The exact percentage decreases with higher salaries.
Key Points
- Delays for Voluntary Resignation:
The 3-month waiting period can be significant, so plan your finances accordingly.
- Demonstrate Job-Seeking Efforts:
You must actively search for jobs and report your efforts regularly to Hello Work to continue receiving benefits.
- Part-Time Work During Unemployment:
You can work part-time while receiving benefits, but it may reduce the amount you receive.
Summary
If you resign voluntarily, you can still qualify for unemployment benefits as long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria (enrollment, duration of employment, job-seeking efforts).
However, there will be a longer waiting period and potentially reduced benefits compared to involuntary termination.
To maximize your benefits, plan your resignation and unemployment application process carefully.
For further assistance, visit your local Hello Work office for detailed guidance tailored to your situation.