As the number of people seeking unemployment benefits continues to climb, Minister of Welfare Yitzchak Herzog, working with the treasury and Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute), amended the criteria for filing for unemployment insurance benefits.

Any who has worked for 9 of the last 18 months is now eligible for filing. At present, one has to have accumulated 12 of the last 18 months. The new guidelines will take effect when national unemployment reaches 7.5%, which officials estimate will be in the second half of 2009.

Herzog and Bituach Leumi Director-General Esther Domenicini praised the move, stating they realize the need to bring reforms that will provide real assistance to unemployed residents during these difficult times.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)