Benefit restriction after voluntary resignation cut from 2 months to 1 month as a rule (resignations on or after 1 April 2025), and lifted for people taking education and training
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
For people who resign voluntarily on or after 1 April 2025, the unemployment benefit restriction period has been cut from 2 months to 1 month as a rule, and the restriction is lifted for people taking eligible education and training.
Key facts
| Start date | Applies to people leaving a job on or after 1 April 2025 (令和7年4月1日) |
|---|---|
| Benefit restriction period | Cut from 2 months to 1 month as a rule (for people who left on or before 31 March 2025 it remains 2 months as a rule) |
| Exception (3 months) | Where someone resigned voluntarily without good reason and had entitlement decided 2 or more times in the 5 years counting back from the date of leaving, or where they were dismissed for serious misconduct (重責解雇) |
| Waiting period | 7 days from the date entitlement to the basic allowance is decided |
| Conditions for lifting the restriction | Eligible education and training started on or after 1 April 2025 and taken within the 1 year before the date of leaving (not counting courses dropped part-way), or being taken after the date of leaving (dismissal for serious misconduct is excluded) |
| Eligible education and training | (1) education and training covered by the education and training benefit, (2) public vocational training and similar, (3) education and training covered by the short-term training course fee benefit, (4) training designated by the Director-General of the Employment Security Bureau as equivalent to (1) to (3) |
| Responsible body | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) |
Last checked:
For people who leave a job on or after 1 April 2025, the benefit restriction period for unemployment benefit (the basic allowance) after resigning voluntarily without good reason has been cut from 2 months to 1 month as a rule (for people who left on or before 31 March 2025 it remains 2 months as a rule). The restriction is 3 months where someone has resigned voluntarily without good reason and had entitlement decided 2 or more times in the 5 years counting back from the date of leaving, or where they were dismissed for serious misconduct on their own part (重責解雇). From April 2025, the restriction is also lifted for people who have taken (or are taking) eligible education and training for reskilling, so they can receive the basic allowance once the 7-day waiting period ends. The responsible body is the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省).
Background — why this change
The shorter restriction period was introduced together with the lifting of the restriction, so that people who resign voluntarily and take eligible education and training on their own initiative for reskilling can receive the basic allowance without a benefit restriction.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
What is the benefit restriction if I left my job before 1 April 2025?
If you left on or before 31 March 2025, the benefit restriction is 2 months as a rule. The reduction to 1 month as a rule applies where the date of leaving is on or after 1 April 2025.
When is the benefit restriction 3 months?
The restriction is 3 months where you resigned voluntarily without good reason and had entitlement decided 2 or more times in the 5 years counting back from the date of leaving, or where you were dismissed for serious misconduct on your own part (重責解雇).
If I take education and training, when is the restriction lifted?
If you took eligible education and training that started on or after 1 April 2025 within the 1 year before your date of leaving (not counting courses dropped part-way), or you are taking it after your date of leaving, the restriction is lifted once the 7-day waiting period ends and you can receive the basic allowance. Dismissal for serious misconduct (重責解雇) is excluded.