Currently, if you quit your job for personal reasons, there is a two-month waiting period before you can receive unemployment benefits. However, starting April 2025, this will be shortened to one month.
This change will make it easier for people to change jobs, which may lead to an increase in job transitions.
Waiting Period Shortened to One Month
At the moment, people who voluntarily leave their jobs must wait two months before receiving benefits. From April 2025, this will be reduced to one month.
Exception: If you have quit three or more times in the past five years, the waiting period will remain three months.
What Is the Waiting Period?
If you quit voluntarily, you will not receive unemployment benefits immediately.
Here’s the process:
- Quit your job
- Receive a Rishokuhyo (離職票, Certificate of Separation) from your employer
- Go to Hello Work (Japan’s employment office)
- Wait seven days (mandatory waiting period)
- Waiting period (currently two months, changing to one month)
- Start receiving unemployment benefits
The waiting period only applies if you quit voluntarily. If you are laid off or your contract is not renewed, you may be eligible for benefits sooner.
Take a Course and Get Benefits Immediately
If you take an eligible vocational training course within one year before quitting or during unemployment, the waiting period will be waived.
After the seven-day mandatory waiting period, you can start receiving benefits immediately.
Why Does This Matter?
Finding a new job can take time, and many people struggle financially during the waiting period. By shortening it to 1 month, the government is making it easier for job seekers to manage their finances and transition to new careers.
If you work in Japan and are thinking about changing jobs, check your employment contract and company policies to plan your next steps.
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