Lost Your Job ? Check if you are eligible for unemployment compensation.
Nov 28, 2025
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If your employment has recently ended, you may be entitled to financial support – unemployment compensation provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about unemployment benefits in North Macedonia – who qualifies, how much you can receive, how long it lasts, and how to apply.
Who is entitled to unemployment compensation?
You are eligible for unemployment compensation if:
You were employed for at least 9 consecutive months, or you were employed for 12 months with interruptions in the last 18 months prior to the termination of your employment.
In addition, contributions must have been paid during this period, and the termination must not be due to your own fault or by mutual agreement.
How much is the compensation?
The monthly amount of unemployment compensation is 50% of your average net monthly salary for the past 24 months, but:
It cannot exceed 80% of the national average net salary for the most recent month.
If you are entitled to compensation for more than 12 months, you will receive 50% of the average salary for the first 12 months, and 40% for the remaining months.
How long is unemployment compensation paid?
The duration depends on your total years of insurance (tenure):
1 month – if you have at least 9 months of continuous employment or 12 months with interruptions;
6 months – if you have between 10 and 12.5 years of tenure;
12 months – if you have over 25 years of tenure.
Long-term compensation for those nearing retirement
There is an exception to the time limit rule. Individuals close to fulfilling conditions for retirement may receive compensation for a longer period.
Eligible individuals must:
Have more than 15 years of insurance tenure,
Be within 18 months of reaching retirement age, and
Be at least 60 years and 6 months old (women) or 62 years and 6 months (men).
In these cases, the compensation is paid:
Until re-employment, or
Until a legal ground for termination of the right occurs (e.g., eligibility for retirement, refusal of work, etc.).
⚠️ During this period, pension and disability contributions are not paid.
How to apply?
If you’ve lost your job, you must:
Register with the Employment Agency of North Macedonia within 30 days of your employment termination;
Submit a request for unemployment compensation;
Provide the following documents:
Valid ID card,
Original education diploma (for verification),
Bank account number.
📌 Important note: You must be registered as unemployed to receive the benefit.
Who is not entitled to compensation?
You are not entitled to unemployment compensation if:
You resigned voluntarily (unless due to marriage or relocation because of your spouse),
Your contract ended by mutual agreement,
You were dismissed for violating work discipline, unjustified absences, refusal to work, or other legal grounds (except in case of bankruptcy),
You refused retraining, upskilling, or to be transferred to another employer,
You meet conditions for retirement,
You lost your ability to work.
Extended compensation in special cases
There are exceptions where compensation can continue beyond the usual period:
✅ For women during pregnancy and maternity leave – compensation continues throughout the protected period;
✅ If the Agency for Employment sends you to a training, retraining, or upskilling program – compensation is paid until completion.
These measures ensure continuous support while unemployed individuals actively work toward reentering the labor market.
What if you're employed under an indefinite time employment agreement ?
Even those employed under an open-ended contract can receive compensation – but only if the termination is for business reasons, such as technological, economic, or organizational changes, or due to bankruptcy or liquidation of the legal entity.
When does the compensation stop?
Unemployment compensation is temporarily suspended if the individual:
Is performing voluntary military service,
Is in detention or serving a prison sentence up to 6 months,
Has temporary residence abroad (up to 12 months), and has reported it to the Agency,
Is engaged in public works for more than 30 days,
Becomes employed or self-employed.
After the reason ends, compensation may resume if:
You reapply within 3 days, and
Submit a request with ID, registration card, and the suspension decision.
⚠️ If you miss the deadline – your right to compensation is terminated.
Suspension (pause) of compensation at your request
Upon request, compensation may be put on hold (without being terminated) if:
You are abroad for family reunification for up to 90 days, or
You are abroad for treatment or caregiving of a close family member, also up to 90 days.
You must:
Submit a request for suspension with justification, and
Within 3 days of return, submit a request to continue the benefit with required documents (ID, registration card, suspension decision).
If the deadline is missed – the right is lost.
What if you are not satisfied with the decision?
If you’re not satisfied with the decision or service, you may file a complaint to the Agency of Employment within 15 days. A decision will be issued within 60 days.
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Unemployment compensation is a vital financial safeguard for individuals who have lost their jobs. To exercise this right, you must meet legal criteria, register on time with the Employment Agency, and provide the necessary documentation. Depending on your situation, the benefit can be extended, paused, or suspended – but deadlines are crucial. Stay informed, act promptly, and make full use of your rights.
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Note: This text is prepared solely for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice or guidance for specific actions. Legal matters are complex and each case has its own specifics that must be considered individually. Therefore, we recommend consulting a qualified professional – a lawyer who can find a tailored solution to your legal issue.