Unemployment Insurance

## Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance (UI) provides temporary financial support to workers who are laid off or terminated without cause while they search for new employment.

### US System

Administered jointly by federal and state governments. Employers pay FUTA (0.6% on first $7,000/employee) plus state taxes (rates vary by employer history).

### Benefits by Country

| Country | Duration | Replacement Rate |
|---------|---------|------------------|
| US | 12–26 weeks (state-dependent) | ~40–50% of prior wages |
| Germany | 6–24 months | 60–67% (with children: 67%) |
| France | Up to 24 months | 57–75% |
| Japan | 90–330 days | 50–80% |
| UK (JSA) | Up to 182 days | £84.80/week (flat) |

### Eligibility

Typically requires: minimum work history (12–18 months), involuntary job loss (not fired for cause or voluntary quit), active job search, and ability to work.