Manesimu日本語

This site shows ads. We may earn a commission from links marked "Sponsored".

Unemployment Benefit Calculator (Japan, 2026)

If you were enrolled in employment insurance (koyō hoken) and lose or leave your job, you can receive a daily unemployment benefit while you look for new work. Foreign residents qualify on the same terms. Estimate how much and for how long.

Last updated:

years
yen

Gross, including overtime and allowances, excluding bonuses

years

Total across your jobs in Japan, unless you already received the benefit

Why you left

Total benefit

¥567,630

Per day

¥6,307

Number of days

90 days

Paid for each certified day of unemployment, about ¥176,596 per 4-week period. If you quit without a valid reason, payments start after the 7-day waiting period plus a 1-month restriction.

How the benefit is calculated

Your daily wage is your total pay for the last 6 months (excluding bonuses) divided by 180. The daily benefit is 50–80% of that (45–80% at ages 60–64), with a higher percentage for lower wages, and within minimum and maximum amounts set each August. The number of days depends on your age, how long you were enrolled, and whether you quit or were dismissed.

Example: age 30, ¥300,000 a month, 3 years enrolled, quit by choice: ¥6,307 a day for 90 days, about ¥567,630 in total.

How to claim

  1. Get your separation notice (rishokuhyō) from your former employer.
  2. Go to Hello Work (the public employment office) for your address, register as a job seeker and apply. Bring your separation notice, residence card, My Number, bank details and ID photos (check your Hello Work's list).
  3. After a 7-day waiting period (plus a 1-month restriction if you quit without a valid reason), attend the unemployment certification every 4 weeks.
  4. You are paid for the certified days, a few business days after each certification.

For foreign residents

  • Employment insurance applies regardless of nationality, so you can receive the benefit if you were enrolled and are able and willing to work in Japan.
  • If your residence status is tied to your job (for example Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), report leaving your employer to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days, and again when you join a new one. You can do this online.
  • If you are planning to leave Japan rather than look for work here, you are not eligible. See the Leaving Japan money checklist instead.

Assumptions

  • Rates are those from August 1, 2026. Your average monthly pay is treated as the same for all 6 months.
  • Eligibility is checked simply from the years you enter. Special cases (for example people who quit for certain justified reasons, or people with disabilities) can receive more days.
  • For your health insurance after leaving, see health insurance after leaving your job.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners get unemployment benefits in Japan?

Yes. If you were enrolled in employment insurance through your job and meet the enrollment period, you can claim at Hello Work on the same terms as Japanese workers, as long as you can work and are looking for a job in Japan.

How long do I need to have worked?

At least 12 months of enrollment in the two years before you left if you quit, or at least 6 months in the year before you left after dismissal or bankruptcy.

Is the unemployment benefit taxed?

No. The basic allowance is not subject to income tax or resident tax, and you do not need to declare it on a tax return.

Is there a Japanese version of this calculator?

Yes. The same calculation is available on our Japanese unemployment benefit calculator.

失業保険（基本手当）計算シミュレーター（日本語）

Official sources

The rates and rules in this calculator come from these Japanese government and insurer publications (in Japanese).

Other calculators

These results are estimates based on the stated assumptions. They are not tax advice, and your payslip or tax office may show different amounts. Your inputs are calculated only in your browser and are never sent to Manesimu or anyone else.