Maximum and minimum unemployment benefits in Russia 2005-2023

Unemployment benefits in Russia ranged from 1,500 Russian rubles to 12,792 Russian rubles in 2023, having remained the same as in the previous year. In 2022, the maximum rate increased by 662 Russian rubles, while the minimum rate remained on the same level in recent years, with an exception of a temporary raise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest value of unemployment benefits is calculated as the minimum wage in the previous year.

Who is entitled to receive unemployment benefits in Russia?

To receive unemployment benefits, Russian citizens had to register as unemployed at the job center. Different rates applied depending on the duration of the previous occupation, the reason for unemployment, and other factors. For example, those who worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks and registered at the employment office within a year received three quarters of their monthly pay (as long as that did not exceed than the maximum rate) in the first three months. In the following three months, the rate was 60 percent of the monthly pay, or up to 5,000 Russian rubles. Those who had been unemployed for over a year or were dismissed from their previous job were assigned the minimum rate.

Changes in unemployment benefits due to COVID-19 in Russia

As the unemployment rate in Russia increased in the spring and summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's government adjusted unemployment benefits. In April 2020, the highest possible value of payments was raised from 8,000 Russian rubles to 12,130 Russian rubles until the end of the year and later extended until 2021. From May to August 2020, the minimum payment was increased to 4,500 Russian rubles. Further changes were made for specific population groups, such as parents and individual entrepreneurs.