Unemployment benefits in 2026: to whom, how much and how to get

In Russia, starting from February 1, 2026, the unemployment benefit will be increased by 6.8%, so that the maximum amount of payment will be about 16 thousand rubles, and the minimum will rise to about 1,884 rubles. The information about who is eligible for benefits, how its amount is calculated and how to arrange payment in the coming year, taking into account the new indexation and rules, is in the Izvestia material.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits

Able-bodied Russian citizens who do not have a job and are actively looking for it can count on unemployment benefits provided they register with the employment center. The right to payment arises for those who have lost their job due to staff cuts, liquidation of the company, or at their own request, if they have at least 26 weeks of experience a year before applying.

Minors, pensioners, full-time students, active sole proprietors, the self-employed, members of farms, as well as military personnel and convicts are excluded from the list of recipients.

The amount of unemployment benefits in 2026: how much will they increase

Starting from February 1, 2026, unemployment benefits will be indexed by 6.8%, which will increase the maximum payment from the current 15,044 rubles to about 16,057 rubles, and the minimum payment from 1,764 rubles to about 1,884 rubles.

— Unemployment benefits will be indexed in 2026, and for many citizens their amount will increase significantly. This is especially important when people are facing financial difficulties and government support plays a key stabilizing role," Sofya Lukinova, head of the legal department at VMT Consult, told Izvestia.

According to her, the maximum benefit will approach the amount of over 16 thousand rubles, and the minimum — up to about 1,9 thousand rubles, which will allow citizens with official experience to receive more tangible amounts.

Who can claim unemployment benefits in 2026

In 2026, citizens of pre-retirement age who lost their jobs through no fault of their own five years before retirement, as well as those who completed their sole proprietorship or were dismissed for any reason without disciplinary action, will be able to claim benefits.

Special categories, such as orphans under the age of 23, will receive a maximum of six months, and pre-retirees — up to two years, taking into account the length of service. Experts emphasize that the amount depends on the work history and the reason for dismissal: for those who are looking for work for the first time or have an unofficial income, a minimum is provided.

How to get unemployment benefits in 2026

The procedure for obtaining the status of unemployed and assigning benefits in 2026, according to relevant portals, will not change dramatically. A citizen must personally or through the portal "Work in Russia" contact the employment center at the place of registration or actual residence (if there is a temporary registration). You will need a package of documents: a passport, a work record or information about the length of service in the form of STD-R, educational documents, a certificate of average earnings for the last three months at your last place of work (for those who previously worked).

After submitting the documents, the employment service offers available vacancies within 11 days. If a suitable job is not found, the person is declared unemployed on the 12th day, and benefits begin to accrue from that date. It is important to register with the TSN on the set dates, otherwise payments may be suspended.

How is the amount of unemployment benefits calculated in 2026?

The calculation of benefits for employed citizens will remain differentiated and linked to previous earnings. In the first three months of unemployment, 75% of the average monthly salary calculated for the last three months at the last place of work is paid.

In the next three months, the amount is reduced to 60%. However, the calculated amount may not exceed the maximum benefit amount set for a year or be lower than the minimum. For those who live in the Far North and equivalent areas, the allowance is increased by the district coefficient.

— The amount of the benefit depends on the citizen's work history and the reason for dismissal. If a person has had at least 26 weeks of official work experience in the last 12 months, then for the first three months he is entitled to a payment of 75% of average earnings, and for the next three months — 60%. However, there is a restriction: the amount cannot be higher than the maximum set by the state," Lukinova said.

How much do they pay for unemployment benefits: payment dates

The total period of payment of unemployment benefits for one person may not exceed 12 months in total for 18 calendar months. At the same time, payments are "stepwise" in nature: the first six months are as a percentage of earnings (with gradations of 75% and 60%), and if unemployment continues, then only the minimum benefit is paid from the 7th to the 12th month.

For pre-retirees (people who have five years or less left before retirement), the payment period increases to 24 months for 36 months, while in the first 12 months they receive an allowance of 75% of average earnings (but also within the maximum limit). Payments are made monthly, subject to mandatory re-registration within the time limits set by the TSN, usually twice a month. Thus, the updated amounts of benefits in 2026 are designed to provide more adequate financial support for the period of finding a new job, while maintaining incentives for early employment.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.