Unemployment benefits — help for unemployed people. From 01.01.2026 there is a big reform, and it is for the benefit of the person.
Most important deadline
You must submit the application within 3 working days after your employment ends — then the benefit will be counted from that date. If you miss it, you lose the days forever.
Condition
12 months of pension insurance for the last 2 years. Registration — online through the Jenda portal (jenda.mpsv.cz) with Citizen's Identity or in person.
How much and for how long
- up to 52 years old — 5 months: the first two at 80% of your previous net earnings, the third and fourth at 50%, the fifth at 40%;
- 52–57 years old — 8 months: the first three at 80%, from the fourth to the sixth at 50%, the seventh and eighth at 40%;
- 57 years old and older — 11 months: the first three at 80%, from the fourth to the sixth at 50%, then at 40%.
Maximum — 38,537 CZK per month. In 2025 it was 26,163 CZK, so the ceiling has almost doubled.
Penalty for quitting voluntarily canceled
Before, those who left on their own or by agreement had their benefit reduced. Now they pay the full amount. This removes the old advice "endure until you are fired," which cost people their health.
Retraining — 80% instead of the previous 60%; without confirmed earnings — 19,269 CZK.