Romanian graduates eligible for unemployment benefits from age 16

The Bucharest Municipal Employment Agency (AMOFM) announced that graduates of any educational institution who are at least 16 years old can receive unemployment benefits for up to six months. The allowance equals 50 % of the current Social Reference Index (ISR) and is payable after a 60‑day waiting period following graduation, provided the individual registers with the local employment office within that timeframe.

Beneficiaries also gain free access to counseling, job mediation, professional training and other labor‑market integration services. Those who obtain a first permanent, full‑time contract may receive a stability premium of 1,000 lei per month in the first year and 1,250 lei in the second year. Graduates who register and are hired within 60 days on a full‑time contract of more than 12 months qualify for an insertion bonus equal to three times the ISR.