Finance Minister Israel Katz announced Tuesday evening that one-time unemployment payouts to Israelis who've been unemployed for an extended period due to coronavirus, will be extended to include those aged 67 and over.
The Finance Ministry presented the original draft of the bill a few weeks ago. According to the draft, Israelis who have been unemployed or furloughed for at least 100 days starting March 1, will receive a NIS 2,000 relief check.
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People stand in line outside a National Insurance Institute branch in Ramat Gan
(צילום: יריב כץ)
"I have decided to make those aged 67 and above who have been fired or placed on unpaid leave eligible for a grant," Katz said.
"We will continue to do whatever it takes to help the self-employed, salaried workers and business owners to get through this period. I will continue to fight so that many can return to the workforce soon and bring about renewed growth to the economy."
The amendment to the unemployment law will be brought for Knesset vote in the coming days, and if approved, it will make some 23,000 elderly Israelis eligible for compensation.
Spouses who are both eligible for the one-time payment, will also receive an extra NIS 500.
The National Insurance Institute will transfer the funds directly to people's bank accounts.