The benefit follows your registration, so the employment office is the start
The county employment office grants unemployment benefit, zasiłek dla bezrobotnych, once you are registered as unemployed. The office looks at your recent work and insurance history, and the reason your last job ended can matter. Work done abroad can count in some cases, so keep proof of it.
How it works
Claim unemployment benefit after losing your job.
If you lose your job, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit, usually if you have worked and paid contributions for long enough. Apply as soon as possible, because a late claim can cost you days of payment. You usually need your ID, your employment contract or dismissal letter, a certificate of employment from your employer and your bank details; work in other EU countries can count towards your entitlement. In many countries you must also register as a jobseeker. The benefit office decides whether you qualify and how much you receive.
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At a glance
Ask which desk handles your case before you go
Benefit claims are dealt with at the county employment office, often by a separate benefits team. That team looks at your recent work and insurance history, so bring proof of past jobs, including any time worked abroad.
Guides
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Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga
Most offices in Berlin, Bremen, and Aachen
Most offices in Aalst, Antwerp, and Arlon
Most offices in Amsterdam, Almelo, and Enschede
Most offices in Akranes, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir
Where to next
Check how each county employment office assesses benefit claims and which proof of work history it expects.
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