Payment of unemployment benefits usually does not start from the very first day of unemployment. For most applicants, a 7-day waiting period is set before the benefit can be paid.

Many people are surprised that a 7-day waiting period is also imposed after a sanction set by the employment authority or after the periodization of vacation compensation. In addition, the 7-day waiting period may come as a surprise when it is imposed again, even if you have been receiving unemployment benefits for a long time. A 7-day waiting period is always set when you meet a new employment condition, for example through part-time or temporary work.

What does the 7-day waiting period mean?

The 7-day waiting period refers to a phase in the beginning of unemployment during which no unemployment benefit is paid.

The length of the waiting period corresponds to seven working days of unemployment. During one calendar week, a maximum of five waiting days can accrue.

The 7-day waiting period is statutory and applies to all applicants for unemployment benefits.

When is the 7-day waiting period imposed?

A 7-day waiting period is imposed when you become unemployed or are laid off for the first time.

It is also imposed again whenever you meet a new employment condition. A new employment condition is fulfilled when you have been paid sufficient wages over a period of 12 months. The months contributing to the employment condition do not need to be consecutive.

Why can the 7-day waiting period feel surprising?

The 7-day waiting period may surprise many people because it does not replace other unpaid periods but is added on top of them.

For example:

• a sanction imposed by the employment authority (mandatory waiting period) and the 7-day waiting period are separate matters
• the periodization of vacation compensation does not remove the 7-day waiting period

The 7-day waiting period does not run at the same time as a sanction imposed by the employment authority (mandatory waiting period) or the periodization of vacation compensation; instead, it can only be set for a period after these.

In addition, the 7-day waiting period can only be set for a time during which your job search is valid and the benefit could otherwise be paid.

The 7-day waiting period must be completed within 8 calendar weeks

The 7-day waiting period must be completed within eight consecutive calendar weeks.

If the 7-day waiting period cannot be completed within this time, for example because you are not unemployed enough, the accumulation of waiting days will continue until the 7-day waiting period is fulfilled within the limits allowed by law.

Unemployment benefits can only be paid once the 7-day waiting period has been fully completed.

More information

You can find more information about the 7-day waiting period and unemployment benefits on our website:
7 day waiting period and mandatory waiting period
Employment condition