• If you were fired or laid off you may be entitled to unemployment benefits from the day you first register at the Sherut, as long as you meet the general conditions of entitlement (age, residency, qualifying period, and timely registration).
• If you quit your job or resign without a justified reason, you must still register immediately with the Sherut, but Bituach Leumi will only start paying unemployment benefits 90 days after your last day of work.
• If you resigned for a reason recognized by law as a justified resignation (for example, significant worsening of conditions, certain health or family reasons) and you provide proof, you may receive benefits from the first day of registration without the 90-day delay.
• If you have more than one job but lose one job but continue working in another, eligibility depends on your overall employment situation and income; because the rules are complex, it is recommended to check your specific case with Bituach Leumi or submit a claim so they can determine your entitlement.

Following a joint project of Bituach Leumi and the Sherut HaT’asuka, you can now submit one unified online application (Hebrew) that sends your details to both bodies at the same time. You can also access the form via your MyGov account.

• Access the unified form linked above
• Submit one joint application
  • In this online process you provide your details and upload documents once; the system then sends the information simultaneously to Bituach Leumi and to the Sherut HaTa’asuka, instead of you having to do two separate applications.
• Registration date and start of entitlement
  • After you complete the unified form, the submission date is considered the date of registration with the Sherut HaTa’asuka, on condition that you go in person to a Lishkat Ta’asuka - לשכת התעסוקה - Employment Bureau branch within 15 days of submitting the online form
  • The same submission date is also used as the date on which your entitlement period for unemployment benefits begins under Bituach Leumi
• Why this is important
  • The unified form is designed to eliminate double bureaucracy; previously, you had to open a claim with Bituach Leumi and register with the Sherut HaTa’asuka separately, submitting documents twice.
  • For most Olim, this unified digital process will be the simplest way to start the unemployment procedure, provided you can access MyGov or the Bituach Leumi online services.

Even if you use the unified form, you must still visit a Lishka office to complete the process and appear in person within 15 days of submission to complete your registration as a jobseeker.

• Register online with the Israeli Employment Service via the service “Register to the Israeli Employment Service online”, create a user, and schedule an appointment at your local Lishka.
• Go to the Lishka in person on the date given to complete initial registration and begin regular reporting.
• Submit the unemployment claim with Bituach Leumi. The unified form is intended to replace separate, duplicate claims, but Bituach Leumi remains the body that determines eligibility and pays the benefit.
• Check the official service page
  • See the instructions on the gov.il page: Claim unemployment benefit – National Insurance
• Separate claim
  • If you used the unified online form, your unemployment claim information is already sent to Bituach Leumi when you submit that form.
  • If you did not use the unified form, you must submit an unemployment claim separately, using the Bituach Leumi claim form (BL/1500) and required documents, in line with the instructions on the Bituach Leumi site
• Time limit for claim submission
  • Bituach Leumi states that the unemployment claim must be submitted within 12 months from the date you first registered at the Employment Service
• Ways to submit(if not using the unified form)
  • Online via the Bituach Leumi or gov.il services
  • By post to your local Bituach Leumi branch
  • Or in person at your local Bituach Leumi office

To receive unemployment benefits, you must continue to report regularly at the Sherut HaTa’asuka, as noted above

• You must report on the days and at the frequency set by the Sherut (in person or, if applicable, through approved digital/alternative channels)
• The Sherut sends monthly reports of your attendance days to Bituach Leumi, which uses this information to calculate how many unemployment days are payable

• Register quickly: You must register with the Sherut HaTa’asuka as soon as possible after your job ends; delay can reduce the number of benefit days you receive.
• Use the unified form where possible as it is designed to simplify the procedure and reduce bureaucracy by combining Sherut Ta’asuka registration and the unemployment claim in one digital step, with one set of documents
• Confirm your status: Olim are subject to the general unemployment rules; work history abroad and Aliyah timing may affect eligibility, so read the detailed conditions on the Bituach Leumi site or consult them directly.
• Keep documents: Keep your employment documents, pay slips, and termination letters; they may be requested by Bituach Leumi or the Employment Service