On Monday, 21 December, the Saeima adopted in the final reading urgent amendments to the Law on Unemployment Insurance, extending the duration of granting and paying unemployment assistance benefits until 30 June 2021. The benefits are awarded to persons who have stopped receiving unemployment benefits but have not found a job and do not perform any economic activity. The monthly amount of the benefit is 180 euros, and a person may receive it for four months.

Additionally, for unemployed persons who have resigned from work or service on their own accord, the term of granting unemployment benefits is extended until 30 June 2021, starting from the day when the person has submitted an application for receiving the unemployment benefit.

According to the explanatory note of the draft law, the amendments are necessary to mitigate the consequences of the economic downturn and to ensure that persons who have been paying unemployment social insurance contributions are eligible for receiving aid in case of unemployment.

The amendments will come into effect on 1 January 2021.

In addition, the Saeima adopted in the final reading urgent amendment to the Support for Unemployed Persons and Persons Seeking Employment Law, which will allow unemployed persons to perform short‑term work whilst preserving their status of an unemployed person.

This option will be available until 31 December 2021.

In light of the consequences of the current crisis and an increase in unemployment, people will have the opportunity to perform short‑term work, such as seasonal agricultural work, without losing their status of an unemployed person. Short‑term work may last up to 120 days and can help provide a source of income for basic necessities and everyday spending.

The amendments will enter into force on the day following their promulgation.

Saeima Press Service