IESS clarifies unemployment insurance eligibility in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) has clarified that its unemployment insurance is not available to all unemployed individuals, countering misinformation circulating on TikTok. The social media claims falsely suggested that anyone without a job could receive five months of salary.

To qualify for the IESS benefit, workers must have lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control. Specific requirements include having 24 non-simultaneous contributions, with the last six being continuous. Additionally, applicants must have been unemployed for at least 60 continuous days and must file their request between the 61st and 106th day of unemployment. Those who resign voluntarily are ineligible for the benefit.