Unemployment Benefits in Czechia Will Be Reduced from 2027: How Much Will You Get?

The maximum unemployment benefit would also fall from 80% to 60% of the national average wage. At the same time, the rate paid during the final stage of unemployment would increase from 40% to 45%.

The new rules are planned to take effect on 1 January 2027. As of 1 September 2026, however, the proposal has not yet completed the legislative process, so individual provisions may still change.

How much will unemployment benefit be in 2027?

For people whose benefit can be calculated from previous earnings, the government proposes the same percentage schedule for all age groups:

• first 2 months – 65% of average monthly net earnings;
• next 2 months – 50%;
• remaining benefit period – 45%.

In 2026, the initial rate is 80%, so the largest reduction would affect the first months after losing a job. The proposed changes are explained by the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Example of unemployment benefit calculation

If your previous average net salary was 30,000 CZK per month, the proposed 2027 calculation would be:

• months 1 and 2 – 19,500 CZK per month;
• months 3 and 4 – 15,000 CZK per month;
• remaining months – 13,500 CZK per month.

This is a simplified example before applying the statutory maximum. People with higher previous earnings may receive less than the percentage calculation because of the benefit cap.

The maximum unemployment benefit will also decrease

In 2026, the maximum unemployment benefit equals 80% of the national average wage and can reach 38,537 CZK per month.

From 2027, the government proposes reducing the ceiling to 60% of the national average wage. Using the 2026 calculation base only as an illustration, that would equal 28,903 CZK.

However, 28,903 CZK is not the final maximum for 2027. The actual amount will depend on the average wage used for the 2027 calculation.

How long can you receive unemployment benefit?

The government does not propose shortening the benefit period. Its length will continue to depend on the applicant's age:

• under 52 – 5 months;
• age 52 to 57 – 8 months;
• over 57 – 11 months.

What would change is the higher initial rate for older applicants. In 2026, people aged 52 and over can receive the 80% rate for longer. Under the 2027 proposal, the 65% rate would apply for only the first two months regardless of age.

What if there are no previous earnings?

Special rates apply when unemployment benefit cannot be calculated from previous earnings, for example when a recognised substitute period was the applicant's most recent activity.

The proposed rates for 2027 are:

• first 2 months – 30% of the national average wage;
• next 2 months – 20%;
• remaining period – 15%.

The initial rate for this group is 40% in 2026, so it would also be reduced significantly.

Retraining support will be reduced

Support during approved retraining is also planned to decrease. For people with previous earnings, the rate would fall from 80% to 60% of the relevant earnings base.

For applicants without previous earnings, the rate would decrease from 40% to 25% of the national average wage. The maximum retraining support would also be capped at 60% of the average wage.

Who qualifies for unemployment benefit in Czechia?

The basic eligibility condition is not planned to change. Applicants generally need at least 12 months of pension insurance during the two years before registering as a job seeker.

Certain substitute periods can also count, including personal care for a child under four. Applications for job placement and unemployment benefit can be submitted through the Czech Labour Office. Current eligibility and application rules are available on the official Labour Office website.

The main proposed change from 2027 is a reduction of the initial unemployment benefit from 80% to 65% of previous net earnings and a reduction of the maximum ceiling from 80% to 60% of the national average wage. The benefit period itself would remain unchanged, but the final 2027 amounts can only be confirmed after the legislation is completed and the relevant average wage is determined.