Who will be able to receive unemployment insurance benefits from January 1?

The draft budget of the Unemployment Insurance Fund for 2026 passed its first reading in the Milli Mejlis. According to the document, the fund's expenses will amount to 266.4 million manats, of which a significant portion will be directed to active social programs. 28 million manats are allocated for unemployment insurance payments - this is 65% more compared to 2025.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this was announced by deputy Vugar Bayramov on his social media page.

These funds are intended for citizens working under an employment contract who have lost their jobs for reasons stipulated by legislation: liquidation of a state body or legal entity, reduction in the number of employees or staff, change of enterprise ownership, court decision to reinstate another employee, return of an employee to their position after military service, as well as expiration of the employment contract.

The parliamentarian noted that to receive insurance payments, a citizen must register as unemployed with local structures of the State Employment Agency or DOST centers, and then submit an application along with the necessary documents. One of the mandatory requirements is having insurance experience: upon dismissal after the expiration of an employment contract - more than 24 months under a fixed-term contract over the last 36 months; upon dismissal as a result of liquidation, reductions, or change of ownership - more than 12 months over the last 24 months.

Vugar Bayramov explained that the insurance payment amount is 50% of the lost average monthly salary, regardless of insurance experience. At the same time, the amount cannot exceed the average salary in the country for the previous year and cannot be lower than the minimum insurance payment. Additionally, 5% is added to the payment for each child.