How to apply — six steps

Apply within 12 months of leaving. From the separation report to your first recognition of unemployment.

  1. 1. Separation report

    Your employer files it with the employment center. If it is missing after 2 weeks, ask them or check on Work24. Get the reason corrected if it wrongly says "personal reasons".

  2. 2. Register as a job seeker on Work24

    Upload a résumé and file a job application online (5 minutes).

  3. 3. Online education for applicants

    Work24 → unemployment benefit → applicant education (~1 hour). Visit the center within 14 days after.

  4. 4. Visit your employment center

    Bring ID and, for justified voluntary leave, supporting documents. The visit date is your unemployment report date.

  5. 5. 7-day waiting period

    No benefit for the first 7 days after reporting.

  6. 6. Recognition of unemployment every 4 weeks

    Attend the first recognition day, then prove 1–2 job-search activities every 4 weeks. Early re-employment can pay 50% of the remaining days as a bonus.

Key points

Documents

ID, and evidence for justified voluntary leave. The separation report is filed by the employer.

Deadlines

Within 12 months of leaving; visit within 14 days of the online education. First payment about 3–4 weeks after applying.

FAQ

How much is it?

60% of your average daily wage, capped at ₩66,000/day in 2026; the floor is effectively the same, so most people receive ₩66,000/day (about ₩1.98M per month).

Does advised resignation count?

Yes — resignation at the employer's request is treated as involuntary.

What if I get a job while receiving it?

If more than half the days remain and you stay employed 12 months, you get 50% of the remaining days as an early re-employment allowance.