All changes in unemployment benefits

Of Dimitris Katsaganis

The government is considering changes in unemployment benefits at two levels.

According to his information Capital.gr In relation to the bill which is being intensively processed at this time (in order to pass before the end of spring) by the Ministry of Labor regarding the restructuring of OAED and the “status” of training, there are suggestions for changes in two main areas.

1. The first field is that of the various privileges (eg tax discounts, free transportation on the transport of Athens) which are provided to OAED registrants.

In relation to the various privileges, there are suggestions for the introduction of income and property criteria. It is reminded that based on the existing “regime”, every unemployed citizen, regardless of the declared income or property status, can register with OAED and enjoy various privileges. in assets – as is the case with the various welfare benefits of OPEC – so that those with high incomes and large fortunes are excluded from these privileges.

2. The second area in which changes have been suggested is unemployment benefits. In relation to the (insurance) unemployment benefits, there are suggestions on the table for their calculation based on the last salaries of the beneficiaries, their de-escalation during the time during which they are entitled to a subsidy, their connection with the job offer and training .

It is recalled that the report of the Pissaridis committee, which has been seriously taken into account by the government officials who have started drafting the relevant bill, proposes to set the unemployment benefit at 55% of the average monthly salary of the unemployed in the previous 3 years with a maximum allowance limit of 1200 euros.

The same report proposes that the duration of the increased allowance be six months, instead of the current twelve months, and that it be paid on condition that the unemployed person is actively looking for work or participating in training programs.

If the unemployed person after six months despite active efforts to find a job has not found a job, he will receive for a period of up to six months or until he finds a job, if this happens earlier, the unemployment benefit at the current level, ie at 55 % of the minimum wage.

In fact, according to information, it is being considered to keep part of, at least, the unemployment benefit as a supplement to the salary for any unemployed person, while going through the period of his subsidy (as a beneficiary of the unemployment benefit), to find a job. On the other hand, the following is considered:

Any subsidized unemployed person who refuses 3 times to get a job in the company proposed by OAED (near his place of residence), will lose his unemployment benefit.