Unemployment benefits in Estonia have risen for 2021, with the maximum level receivable over EUR 400 per month higher than last year’s figure. The minimum rate has also risen.
Whereas the maximum amount permissible in unemployment insurance benefits was EUR 1,656.33 per month in 2020, the current ceiling is EUR 67.30 unemployment insurance benefit per calendar day for the first hundred days, or EUR 2,086.30 for 31 calendar days.
From the 101st day of a period of unemployment, that rate now stands at EUR 44.87 per calendar day or EUR 1,390.97 for 31 calendar days.
This year’s unemployment allowance is also significantly higher. Instead of the earlier 35%, it now stands at 50% of the previous year’s minimum wage.
This makes the daily rate of unemployment allowance now EUR 9.42 per day. The 31-fold daily rate of support is now EUR 292.02, compared with a little over EUR 189 last year.
The minimum daily rate of compensation – registered unemployed individuals in Estonia are always guaranteed a minimum sum in unemployment benefit – this year stands at EUR 9.73, making the minimum compensation for 31 calendar days now EUR 301.63, compared with EUR 279 last year.
The rate changed automatically for those who were already receiving unemployment allowance from January 1.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (Tootukassa) will also provide up to EUR 6,000 in support for starting a business, again a rise on last year, and academic support has also risen, with employed persons and jobseekers alike able to receive EUR 292 per month for study, if the course is in a specialization needed on the labor market.
Employers can also now obtain support for ICT training for their employees. (ERR/Business World Magazine)
