Unemployment Benefits Calculator - Estimate Your Benefits
Enter your age, employment insurance period, and average monthly wage to calculate daily benefits, benefit duration, and total unemployment benefits.
About This Tool
The Unemployment Benefits Calculator estimates your Korean employment insurance benefits (실업급여) based on your age, employment period, and previous salary. It shows your daily benefit amount, total benefit period, and estimated total payout to help you plan during a job transition.
How to Use
- Enter your age at the time of separation.
- Enter your employment insurance enrollment period in years.
- Enter your average monthly wage (pre-tax) for the 3 months before separation.
- Check the box if you are aged 50+ or have a disability.
- Click Calculate to see your estimated unemployment benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for unemployment benefits in Korea?
You must have been enrolled in employment insurance for at least 180 days within 18 months before separation. The separation must be involuntary (layoff, contract expiration, etc.), and you must be willing and able to seek reemployment. Voluntary resignation is generally excluded, but exceptions exist for valid reasons.
What are the 2026 daily benefit limits?
The daily upper limit is KRW 66,000 and the lower limit is KRW 63,104. The lower limit is calculated based on 80% of the minimum wage multiplied by 8 hours of prescribed daily working hours.
How is the benefit duration determined?
The benefit duration ranges from 120 to 270 days, depending on your age at separation and employment insurance enrollment period. Workers aged 50 or older, or those with disabilities, receive longer benefit periods for the same enrollment duration.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
After separation, register as a job seeker on WorkNet (www.work.go.kr), then visit your local Employment Center to apply for benefit eligibility. After approval, you must report job-seeking activities every 4 weeks to continue receiving benefits.
Can I receive benefits if I resigned voluntarily?
Generally, voluntary resignation does not qualify for unemployment benefits. However, if you resigned due to valid reasons such as unpaid wages, workplace harassment, unreasonable commute due to company relocation, or health deterioration, you may still be eligible.
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How It's Calculated
Korean unemployment benefits (구직급여) are calculated as:
1. Daily Benefit = Previous Average Daily Wage × 60% - Upper limit: ₩66,000/day - Lower limit: Minimum wage daily equivalent × 80%
2. Benefit Duration depends on age and insured period: - Under 50, <1yr insured: 120 days - Under 50, 1–3yr: 150 days - Under 50, 3–5yr: 180 days - Under 50, 5–10yr: 210 days - Under 50, 10yr+: 240 days - 50+ or disabled: add 30 days to each tier (max 270 days)
3. Total Benefit = Daily Benefit × Benefit Duration
Previous Average Daily Wage = Total wages for last 3 months ÷ Total calendar days.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Eligibility for unemployment benefits requires involuntary separation, 180+ days of insured employment in the last 18 months, and active job seeking. Voluntary resignation generally disqualifies you unless specific exceptions apply. Verify eligibility at your local Employment Center or www.ei.go.kr.