Quick answer
This procedure concerns the unemployment benefits of 雇用保険 (koyō hoken, employment insurance). After leaving a job, those who meet the conditions can apply to ハローワーク (Harōwāku, Hello Work — the public employment security office) for the 基本手当 (kihon teate, basic allowance). In general, you first need the 離職票 (rishoku-hyō, separation notice) issued by your company, then register as a job seeker and file your benefit claim at the Hello Work office with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Whether you can receive it, how much, and for how long vary with your enrollment period, age, and reason for leaving — follow Hello Work and the official explanations.
What this document is
The 基本手当 (basic allowance) of employment insurance is living support for unemployed people while they look for work. Around it, you will come across:
- 離職票 (rishoku-hyō, separation notice): issued by your company / Hello Work after you leave a job; the key document for claiming unemployment benefits.
- 雇用保険被保険者証 (koyō hoken hihokensha-shō, employment insurance insured-person card): proof that you were enrolled in employment insurance.
- 受給資格者証 / 失業認定申告書 (jukyū shikakusha-shō / shitsugyō nintei shinkokusho, benefit eligibility certificate / unemployment certification declaration form): used for your benefit eligibility and the periodic unemployment certification.
Common fields on the document
- 基本手当 (kihon teate) — the unemployment benefit (the core of job-seeker benefits).
- 離職票 (rishoku-hyō) — separation notice.
- 離職理由 (rishoku riyū) — reason for leaving (affects when payments start and the number of benefit days).
- 被保険者期間 (hihokensha kikan) — period enrolled in employment insurance.
- 所定給付日数 (shotei kyūfu nissū) — number of days you can receive benefits (set by age / enrollment period / reason for leaving).
- 失業認定日 (shitsugyō nintei-bi) — unemployment certification day (usually once every 4 weeks).
What you need to do
- After leaving your job, ask your company for the 離職票 (and your 雇用保険被保険者証).
- Go to the Hello Work office with jurisdiction over your place of residence to register as a job seeker and file your unemployment benefit claim.
- Attend the 受給説明会 (jukyū setsumeikai, benefit orientation session), then go to Hello Work for certification on each designated 失業認定日.
- If you have questions about eligibility, benefit days, or amounts, confirm with Hello Work.
Possible deadlines / where the amounts are
- Deadline: your benefit eligibility has a time limit (generally a set period counting from the day after your separation date; missing it affects how many days you can receive), and you must attend regularly on each 失業認定日 — follow Hello Work.
- Amount: the benefit is calculated from factors such as your wages before leaving (the 基本手当日額, kihon teate nichigaku, daily amount of the basic allowance); the 所定給付日数 of 90 to 360 days varies from person to person — follow Hello Work.
Which official body to check with when unsure
For the eligibility, procedures, and amounts of unemployment benefits, rely on the Hello Work office (public employment security office) with jurisdiction over your place of residence and the 厚生労働省 (Kōsei Rōdōshō, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) Hello Work Internet Service explanations; for questions about the 離職票, ask your former company. Official explanations take precedence over any third-party interpretation.
Common Japanese terms
- 雇用保険 (koyō hoken) — employment insurance (includes unemployment benefits)
- 基本手当 (kihon teate) — unemployment benefit (basic allowance)
- 離職票 (rishoku-hyō) — separation notice
- ハローワーク (Harōwāku) — Hello Work, the public employment security office
- 失業認定 (shitsugyō nintei) — unemployment certification
- 所定給付日数 (shotei kyūfu nissū) — number of benefit days