Unemployment Insurance 101

Abbreviated as UI by abbreviationfinder, unemployment insurance is a right for workers who have been released from work without cause and can be awarded for three, four or five months.

The installments vary between the minimum wage and a ceiling, which are currently R $ 1,045.00 and R $ 1,813.03, respectively.

To calculate the amount to be paid, the average of the last three salaries is used and a table to know which amount, between the minimum and the ceiling, the aid will fit. Follow the steps below.

Steps for calculation

1. Calculate the average salary for the last 3 months

The first thing to do is to calculate the average salary considering the last three months. To perform the calculation, first add the three salaries and divide the sum by 3.

If necessary, consult the last three payslips and find the amounts paid in wages in the earnings column.

The average salary that was found is what defines the next step, since the value must fit in one of the lines in the table.

2. Calculate the benefit according to the salary range

To find the amount you will receive in unemployment wages you need to consider the current calculation table:

For the first range, the value found should not be less than the minimum wage, which is currently R $ 1,045. If applicable, this will be the unemployment insurance amount.

1st track example

If the average salary calculated does not exceed R $ 1,306.25, no calculation is necessary. For example, an average salary calculated at R $ 1,200.

For any amount in this range, the benefit will be guaranteed in accordance with the current minimum wage, of R $ 1,045.00.

2nd track example

If the average salary is between the first range, unemployment insurance will be 80% of the value found. For example, an average salary of R $ 1,450.00:

• 1,450.00 x 0.8 = 1,120.00

The unemployment insurance to be paid will be R $ 1,120.00 in the coming months.

Example on the 3rd track

The second range includes salary averages that fit between R $ 1,599.62 and R $ 2,666.29, such as, for example, the amount of R $ 2,500.

In this case, you will first need to find the amount that exceeds R $ 1,599.62 and then multiply by 50%. At the end, the amount of R $ 1,279.69 is added:

• 2,500.00 – 1,599.62 = 900.38
• 38 x 0.5 = 450.19
• 19 + 1,279.69 = 1,729.88

The unemployment insurance to be paid will be R $ 1,729.88 in the coming months.

Example on the 4th track

If the calculated average salary falls into the third range, no calculation is necessary.

In the previous example, if a calculation was made with the average at the ceiling of the range, which is R $ 2,666.29, the benefit would be R $ 1,813.03.

Any average salary above this ceiling, such as R $ 3,000 for example, the benefit will be R $ 1,813.03 for the months that are allocated.

Number of unemployment insurance installments

The number of installments allocated to those who became unemployed depends on the number of times they have already applied for insurance and the number of months worked before applying.

If it’s the first time

You must have worked at least 12 months in the last 18 months before applying for unemployment insurance.

If he can prove between 12 and 23 months worked, the worker will be entitled to 4 installments. From 24 months, you will be entitled to 5 installments.

If it’s the second time

You must have worked at least 9 months in the last 12 months before applying for unemployment insurance.

Proven between 9 and 11 months, the worker will be entitled to 3 installments. Between 12 and 23 months, 4 installments and over 24 months will be entitled to 5 installments.

If it’s the third time

You must have worked at least 6 consecutive months until the date of dismissal to be entitled to unemployment insurance.

Between 6 and 11 months, the worker will be entitled to 3 installments and between 12 and 23 months will be entitled to 4 installments. If you have worked more than 24 months, 5 installments will be allocated.

How to get unemployment insurance

To be entitled to unemployment insurance, the worker must have been dismissed without just cause. The application can be made from 7 to 120 days after the date of dismissal. For domestic employees the period counted ranges from 7 to 90 days since the dismissal.

The insurance application can be made online, on the Federal Government website or through the SINE application called “Sine Fácil”.

The application can also be made in person at the DRT (Regional Labor Office) or at SINE (National Employment System).