Unemployment benefit calculator · Iceland 2026
How much unemployment benefit you would get, and for how long. Change your salary and age in the calculator below.
With ISK 850,000 gross a month, age 35. Change them in the calculator below.
See it in the results ↓…
Unemployment benefit in Iceland 2026: how much, and for how long
Unemployment benefit replaces part of your pay when you lose your job, if you were insured long enough. The calculator above estimates the amount and how long it is paid, from your salary and age, with the 2026 rules.
The rules in brief
- Unemployment benefit: With 12 months of work in the last 12 months the Directorate of Labour pays income-related benefit of 70% of your average pay for 3 months, at most ISK 605,159 a month, and then the basic benefit of ISK 383,870 a month; with 3 to 12 months of work you get a share. From 1 July 2026 benefits last at most 24 months (30 before).
Unemployment benefit by salary
| Gross pay a month | Benefit | Total |
|---|---|---|
| ISK 425,000 | ISK 383,870 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,212,880 |
| ISK 640,000 | ISK 448,000 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,405,270 |
| ISK 850,000 | ISK 595,000 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,846,270 |
| ISK 1,275,000 | ISK 605,159 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,876,747 |
| ISK 1,700,000 | ISK 605,159 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,876,747 |
| ISK 2,550,000 | ISK 605,159 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total | ISK 9,876,747 |
Single person aged 35 without children; 9.8 years of service.
Frequently asked questions
How much unemployment benefit do I get on ISK 850,000 gross a month?
ISK 595,000 a month for the first 3 months (70% of your average pay, at most ISK 605,159), then ISK 383,870, for up to 24 months in total: ISK 9,846,270 in total, if you are single and aged 35.
Are these amounts exact?
They are estimates under the 2026 rules. The public employment service decides the actual amount.
Rules and official sources: see “Rules applied (2026)” in the calculator. Last checked: October 2026. Estimates for information, not financial advice.
Other questions about pay in Iceland: What is my hourly wage? · What do I take home part-time? · How much notice must my employer give? · When can I retire? · What is my money worth after inflation?