Malta - Unemployment Benefit
This chapter deals with the benefits that people can claim if they lose their job. In fact, three benefits fall in this category:
- Unemployment Benefit (Benefiċċju għal Diżimpjieg)
- Special Unemployment Benefit (Benefiċċju Speċjali għal Diżimpjieg)
- Unemployment Assistance (Għajnuna Soċjali)
When can I make a benefit claim?
Unemployment Benefits, both under the contributory schemes and non-contributory schemes, are paid to each person who loses his/her job. The eligibility criteria for the contributory unemployment benefits require a minimum of 50 weeks of contributions of which at least 20 must have been paid or credited during the 2 year period preceding the date of claim.
In the non-contributory scheme, Special Unemployment Benefit is paid to the head of the household instead of the Unemployment Benefit, provided that the relative means test is satisfied.
Unemployment Assistance is paid at a rate that can change in accordance with the means test, and also in relation to the number of persons in the household.
How can I qualify?
The applicant must be registered as a full-time jobseeker with the Public Employment Services, must be fit for and available for work.
What am I entitled to and how can I make my claim?
|
Daily Benefit Rate |
||
|
Type of Benefit |
Single parent/married person who is maintaining a spouse who is not employed full-time |
Any other person |
|
Unemployment Benefit |
€13.97 |
€9.13 |
|
Special Unemployment Benefit |
€23.45 |
€15.47 |
These payments are made from the first day of unemployment and continue for a period of 156 days. After that, the person concerned no longer qualifies for this benefit unless the person takes up employment again for a period of at least 13 weeks.
Unemployment Assistance is paid at a rate that can change according to the means test, and particularly according to the family composition.
Forms required for completion
A claimant must register as a jobseeker with the Public Employment Services by completing a Registration Form in person at one of their offices listed here.
Know your rights
Maltese Resources:
Commission publications and websites:
Who do you need to contact?
Department of Social Security
38, Ordnance Street
Valletta, VLT 1021
List of Social Security Hubs, here.