I left my job but the 離職票 hasn't arrived.

The 離職票 is issued by your former employer and can take several days to two weeks. If more than two weeks pass, chase the former employer. If it still doesn't come, Hello Work can sometimes step in on your behalf.

Will money come right after I apply?

No. After applying there is a 7-day waiting period, and for voluntary resignation there is usually a further benefit-restriction period. The first payment can be weeks to months away. You report at each 認定日, and payment follows.

I can't attend on the 認定日.

Attendance is required in principle. For a valid reason (a job, an interview, illness), contact Hello Work in advance and the date may be changed or handled differently. An unexcused absence forfeits that period's payment.

What counts as job-search activity?

Applying to jobs, job counselling or referrals at Hello Work, and attending seminars are generally accepted. Merely browsing listings may not be enough. Do the required number of activities before each 認定日 and report them; check Hello Work's guidance for details.

Insurance / Pension

雇用保険・離職票: Japan Unemployment Benefit Documents Explained

These documents relate to receiving unemployment benefit (基本手当, from employment insurance) after leaving a job. The 離職票 comes from your former employer and certifies the fact of leaving, your wages and the reason — it is needed to apply. The 雇用保険受給資格者証 is issued after you apply at Hello Work and shows your eligibility and number of benefit days. You will also get notices for an explanation session and 認定日 (recognition days). ⛔ The benefit is not paid automatically just because you quit: you must apply at Hello Work with the 離職票, attend on the scheduled 認定日, and do job-search activities.

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Who receives it

People who were in employment insurance, left a job, and now intend to job-hunt and claim the benefit. The 離職票 is issued by the former employer and mailed to you after you leave (it can take several days to two weeks because it routes through the employer and Hello Work). The 受給資格者証 and 認定日 notices come after you apply at Hello Work. Eligibility generally requires a minimum insured period and the ability and intent to work.

What to do

1After leaving, wait for the 離職票 (離職票-1 and -2) from your former employer. If it doesn't come, ask the employer to issue it.
2Take the 離職票, ID, My Number, a photo, and proof of a bank account in your name to the Hello Work office for your area to register as a job-seeker and apply.
3Attend the assigned 雇用保険説明会 (explanation session) and receive your 受給資格者証 and future 認定日 dates.
4⛔ Attend Hello Work on each scheduled 認定日 and report your job-search activity. Missing a 認定日 means no benefit for that period and delays payment.
5Keep doing job-search activities (applications, job counselling). Ask at the Hello Work counter on the notice if anything is unclear.

About the deadline

The most important thing is the 認定日. ⛔ If you miss a scheduled 認定日, you generally cannot receive that period's benefit and payment is delayed. If you truly cannot attend (a job, an interview, illness), contact Hello Work in advance. Also apply promptly once you have the 離職票 — the period in which you can receive benefit is generally limited (often one year), and delay can cost you the benefit.

Common misunderstandings

I left my job but the 離職票 hasn't arrived.: The 離職票 is issued by your former employer and can take several days to two weeks. If more than two weeks pass, chase the former employer. If it still doesn't come, Hello Work can sometimes step in on your behalf.
Will money come right after I apply?: No. After applying there is a 7-day waiting period, and for voluntary resignation there is usually a further benefit-restriction period. The first payment can be weeks to months away. You report at each 認定日, and payment follows.
I can't attend on the 認定日.: Attendance is required in principle. For a valid reason (a job, an interview, illness), contact Hello Work in advance and the date may be changed or handled differently. An unexcused absence forfeits that period's payment.
What counts as job-search activity?: Applying to jobs, job counselling or referrals at Hello Work, and attending seminars are generally accepted. Merely browsing listings may not be enough. Do the required number of activities before each 認定日 and report them; check Hello Work's guidance for details.

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