The number of people receiving unemployment benefit was 40,800 in October, a decline of 400 from September. On an annual basis, the number of beneficiaries rose by 3,300 in October, according to figures released by the social security provider Sociálna Poisťovňa (SP).
In the first half of this year, SP paid the benefit to 43,100 people on average on a monthly basis, the SITA newswire reported, citing the insurer. Terms for eligibility for unemployment benefits eased as of early September 2010. Newly unemployed people who had who had paid unemployment insurance for two of the previous three years became eligible to receive the benefit. According to the previous rules, the unemployed were required to have paid social insurance for at least three of the previous four years.
Unemployment benefit is available for a limited period in Slovakia, before people who remain jobless are transferred to other support benefits.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.