Losing a job unexpectedly can create financial pressure, especially when you are living and working in the UAE. The UAE’s Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance Scheme is designed to provide temporary financial support to eligible employees who lose their jobs for qualifying reasons.
But how does ILOE insurance work? Is ILOE mandatory? How much does it cost? Who can claim compensation? What happens if you resign? And how can you check or submit an ILOE claim?
This complete guide explains ILOE Insurance in the UAE in simple terms, including eligibility, subscription cost, compensation, claim requirements, payment options and important points employees should know in 2026.
What Is ILOE Insurance in the UAE?
ILOE stands for Involuntary Loss of Employment.
The ILOE Insurance Scheme provides temporary financial protection to eligible employees who lose their employment involuntarily. The purpose is to provide financial support for a limited period while the employee looks for another job.
The official ILOE scheme is implemented under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2022 concerning the Involuntary Loss of Employment Scheme.
For the latest subscription, policy and claim information, employees should always use the official ILOE portal:
ILOE is separate from your UAE residence visa, employment visa and Emirates ID. If your employment has ended and you also need to handle your visa or immigration status, you may need a separate government transaction.
You can learn more about UAE Visa Services in Dubai through Amer Smart Lounge.
Is ILOE Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?
Yes. According to the official ILOE FAQ, subscription to the ILOE scheme is mandatory for employees covered by the private-sector and federal-government categories.
However, certain categories of workers are exempt.
Employees should check their individual status through the official ILOE channels rather than assuming that every worker has exactly the same requirements.
The UAE Government also provides information about the unemployment insurance scheme through its official portal:
UAE Government – Unemployment Insurance Scheme
Who Is Eligible for ILOE Insurance?
The official ILOE platform states that the scheme covers:
Emiratis working in the private sector
UAE residents working in the private sector
Emiratis working in the federal government sector
UAE residents working in the federal government sector
The scheme is intended for eligible employees rather than every category of worker in the UAE.
Who Is Exempt From ILOE?
The official ILOE information lists several exempt categories, including:
Investors who own the establishment/company where they work
Domestic helpers
Employees working under temporary contracts
Juveniles below 18 years of age
Retirees who are entitled to a pension and have joined a new job
If you are unsure whether you are required to subscribe, checking your status through the official ILOE platform is the safest approach.
How Much Does ILOE Insurance Cost in the UAE in 2026?
One of the most common questions employees ask is: “How much is ILOE insurance in UAE?”
The current ILOE scheme has two categories based on the employee’s basic salary.
Category A – Basic Salary of AED 16,000 or Less
Employees with a basic salary of AED 16,000 or less pay:
AED 5 + VAT per month
The maximum compensation is:
Up to AED 10,000 per month
Category B – Basic Salary Above AED 16,000
Employees with a basic salary above AED 16,000 pay:
AED 10 + VAT per month
The maximum compensation is:
Up to AED 20,000 per month
The official ILOE platform currently states that the policy period can be selected for one year or two years, depending on the available option.
You can check the latest premium and subscription options directly through the official ILOE portal.
ILOE Insurance Cost vs Total Salary
It is important not to confuse your total salary with your basic salary.
The ILOE category is based on the applicable basic salary.
For example, an employee may receive:
Basic salary: AED 12,000
Allowances: AED 5,000
Total salary: AED 17,000
For ILOE categorisation, the relevant figure is the basic salary rather than simply the total package.
Always check the basic salary stated in your employment records.
How Much Compensation Does ILOE Provide?
Eligible employees can receive compensation equal to up to 60% of their average basic salary for the six months immediately preceding the loss of employment.
The compensation is subject to the maximum amount for the employee’s category.
Category A
Maximum compensation:
AED 10,000 per month
Category B
Maximum compensation:
AED 20,000 per month
The compensation can be paid for a maximum of three consecutive months for a qualifying claim.
The official ILOE scheme also states that total claim payments over the insured person’s entire work life in the UAE labour market cannot exceed 12 monthly benefits.
ILOE Compensation Example
Suppose an employee’s average basic salary over the six months before unemployment is AED 10,000.
60% of AED 10,000 is:
AED 6,000
If the employee meets all ILOE conditions, the calculated monthly compensation could be AED 6,000.
Another employee may have an average basic salary of AED 20,000.
60% would be AED 12,000.
Because this is below the Category B maximum of AED 20,000, the calculated compensation could be AED 12,000 per month, subject to the official claim assessment.
The ILOE calculator can provide an estimate based on the information entered, but the official ILOE website makes clear that a calculator result is not confirmation of entitlement. Actual claims are assessed using official records and supporting documents.
You can use the official ILOE compensation calculator to estimate your potential benefit.
How Long Does ILOE Compensation Last?
ILOE compensation is temporary.
A qualifying claim can receive compensation for a maximum of three consecutive months.
However, the total amount of benefits received over the insured employee’s entire work life in the UAE labour market is subject to an aggregate maximum of 12 monthly benefits.
This means ILOE should be viewed as temporary financial support rather than a replacement for your salary.
How Long Do You Need to Subscribe to ILOE Before Claiming?
One of the most important ILOE requirements is the continuous subscription period.
The official ILOE scheme states that an employee must have subscribed for at least 12 consecutive months before becoming eligible for insurance compensation.
The policy conditions also specify requirements regarding continuity of subscription.
Therefore, simply subscribing shortly before losing your job does not make you immediately eligible for compensation.
Can You Claim ILOE If You Resign?
Generally, no.
ILOE is designed for qualifying involuntary loss of employment.
If an employee voluntarily resigns, this generally does not qualify for ILOE compensation.
The scheme also excludes certain employment termination situations, including cases involving disciplinary action.
This is why the reason for termination is an important part of the ILOE claim assessment.
What Does Involuntary Loss of Employment Mean?
The word “involuntary” is central to the ILOE scheme.
The insurance is designed to support eligible employees who lose their jobs for reasons outside their control.
For example, if an employer terminates an employee for a qualifying reason that is not voluntary resignation or disciplinary dismissal, the employee may potentially qualify, provided all other conditions are satisfied.
However, each claim is assessed according to the applicable policy terms and official employment records.
When Should You Submit an ILOE Claim?
If you lose your job and believe you qualify for ILOE compensation, do not wait unnecessarily before submitting your claim.
According to the official ILOE FAQ, the insured person must submit the claim within 30 days from the date of termination. Claims can be submitted through:
ILOE website
ILOE mobile application
ILOE call centre at 600599555
Other channels specified by MOHRE in coordination with the Insurance Pool
You can check the latest claim procedure through the official ILOE portal.
How to Subscribe to ILOE Insurance in UAE
The subscription process can be completed through official ILOE channels.
Step 1: Visit the ILOE Website
Visit the official ILOE portal.
Step 2: Select Your Sector
Select the applicable employment sector.
Step 3: Enter Your Emirates ID and Mobile Number
You may need your Emirates ID or Unified Number and a valid UAE mobile number.
Step 4: Verify Your Details
Follow the verification process and confirm your employment and insurance information.
Step 5: Select Your Payment Option
Choose the available payment frequency and complete the required payment.
Step 6: Keep Your Insurance Certificate
After successful subscription, keep your insurance certificate and payment confirmation for future reference.
The official ILOE platform also provides subscription through its mobile application and lists other approved payment channels.
What Documents Are Required for ILOE Subscription?
The official ILOE information lists the following basic information for subscription:
Emirates ID or Unified Number
Valid UAE mobile number
Additional information may be required depending on the subscription channel and your employment records.
It is always best to make sure your Emirates ID and mobile information are accurate before starting the transaction.
If you need assistance with Emirates ID-related government services, you can explore Emirates ID Services in Dubai through Amer Smart Lounge.
How to Check Your ILOE Insurance Status
If you have already subscribed but are unsure whether your policy is active, you can check your policy information through the ILOE website or mobile application.
According to the official ILOE FAQ, users can:
Log in to the ILOE portal or mobile app.
Select the relevant sector.
Enter Emirates ID and mobile number.
Request an OTP.
Select “View Policy Details.”
You can also use the “View Statement” option to check the amount due under your selected payment method.
How to Check Your ILOE Insurance Certificate
After subscribing, employees should keep their insurance certificate safely.
If you have subscribed but cannot find your certificate, the official ILOE FAQ advises logging into the ILOE portal or mobile application and selecting “View Policy Details.”
This can help you verify your policy information without relying on an old payment receipt.
How to Pay ILOE Insurance
The official ILOE platform provides multiple payment channels.
These may include:
ILOE website
ILOE mobile application
Exchange centres
SMS and telecommunications billing channels
Bank applications
Business service centres
Approved kiosks and payment channels
Direct subscription through the official ILOE channels is listed as free of additional service charges, while other channels may apply service fees.
Always check the current payment options on the official ILOE website before making a payment.
Can ILOE Insurance Be Paid Monthly?
Yes. The official ILOE information lists several payment options, including:
Monthly
Quarterly
Semi-annually
Annually/in full
The options available can depend on the selected subscription channel.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay ILOE Premiums?
Employees should not ignore unpaid ILOE premiums.
According to the official ILOE FAQ, if the insured does not comply with the selected payment plan for more than three months from the premium due date, the policy can be cancelled and a fine may apply under the applicable law.
If the policy has been cancelled because of non-payment, the employee may need to subscribe again through a new policy.
This is why maintaining your ILOE subscription is important.
Is There a Fine for Not Subscribing to ILOE?
Yes, non-compliance can result in a fine under the applicable UAE rules.
The official MOHRE payment system identifies a fine for failure to participate in the unemployment insurance system or for non-payment of prescribed insurance premiums for three months from the due date.
The applicable fine and payment process should be checked through official UAE government channels.
Employees can refer to MOHRE for employment and labour-related information.
How to Claim ILOE Compensation
If you lose your job involuntarily and believe you meet the requirements, the general process is:
Check eligibility → Prepare information → Submit claim → Verification → Claim decision → Compensation
Step 1: Confirm Your Employment Termination
Make sure your employment relationship has officially ended.
Step 2: Check Your ILOE Subscription
Confirm that you have maintained the required continuous subscription period.
Step 3: Check the Reason for Termination
Confirm that your employment ended under circumstances that may qualify as involuntary loss of employment.
Step 4: Prepare Your Information
Have your Emirates ID, employment information, ILOE policy information and other requested documents available.
Step 5: Submit Your Claim
Submit the claim through the official ILOE portal, mobile application or another approved channel.
Step 6: Follow the Verification Process
The claim will be assessed against the official records and policy requirements.
Step 7: Track the Claim
Keep your claim information and monitor the status through the available ILOE channels.
What Documents May Be Needed for an ILOE Claim?
The exact documents can depend on the individual claim.
You should be prepared to provide information such as:
Emirates ID or Unified Number
ILOE insurance information
Employment details
Previous employer information
Termination information
Bank details
Supporting employment documents
Other documents requested during the claim process
Always provide accurate information that matches your official employment records.
Why Can an ILOE Claim Be Rejected?
Not every claim will automatically be approved.
Some common issues include:
Voluntary Resignation
If you resigned voluntarily, the claim may not qualify.
Disciplinary Termination
The ILOE scheme is not intended to cover job loss resulting from qualifying disciplinary dismissal.
Insufficient Subscription Period
You generally need at least 12 consecutive months of subscription before claiming.
Late Claim
The official ILOE FAQ states that claims must be submitted within 30 days from termination.
Incorrect Information
Differences between your claim information and official employment records can create problems during assessment.
Policy or Payment Issues
An interrupted or cancelled policy may affect your eligibility.
ILOE Insurance After Changing Jobs
Changing jobs is common in the UAE, but employees should not assume that their ILOE responsibilities automatically disappear when they move to another employer.
Keep your ILOE subscription information up to date and check your policy when necessary.
It is also important to remember that several processes may be separate when changing employment, including:
Employment records
Work permit
Residence visa
Emirates ID
ILOE insurance
If you need help with immigration-related procedures after changing employment, you can explore Amer Smart Lounge Immigration Services.
ILOE Insurance and UAE Visa Cancellation
ILOE insurance is not the same as visa cancellation.
If your employment ends, you may have several separate matters to handle depending on your circumstances:
Employment termination
Labour record updates
ILOE claim, if eligible
Residence visa cancellation
Visa status change
Emirates ID updates
New employment visa application
For assistance with applicable visa procedures, visit Visa Services in Dubai.
You can also explore Amer Smart Lounge Immigration Services for applicable government transactions.
ILOE Insurance vs Employment Visa
| ILOE Insurance | Employment / Residence Visa |
|---|---|
| Provides temporary financial compensation to eligible employees | Relates to legal employment and/or residence status |
| Separate insurance scheme | Immigration and employment process |
| Subscription is required for covered employees | Has its own eligibility and validity requirements |
| May provide compensation after qualifying job loss | Determines applicable residence/work status |
| Managed through ILOE channels | Managed through relevant UAE government authorities |
Understanding this difference is particularly important after leaving a job.
ILOE Insurance and Emirates ID
Your Emirates ID is used for many UAE government and employment-related transactions.
When your employment changes, it is important to make sure your identity and residency information remains accurate.
If you need help with applicable Emirates ID transactions, visit Amer Smart Lounge Emirates ID Services.
You can also read our guide:
How to Check Emirates ID Status Online in UAE
ILOE Insurance and Labour Services
Employment termination, labour records and ILOE insurance can be connected from the employee’s perspective, but they are handled through different processes.
For private-sector employment matters, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is an important official source.
Visit MOHRE for official information about UAE labour and employment services.
If you need assistance with applicable government procedures, you can also explore Amer Smart Lounge Services.
Common ILOE Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
Not Subscribing
If you are covered by the ILOE scheme, do not wait until you lose your job before checking your subscription.
Letting the Policy Lapse
Maintain your subscription and payments according to your selected payment plan.
Assuming Every Job Loss Qualifies
ILOE is specifically designed for qualifying involuntary loss of employment.
Waiting Too Long to Submit a Claim
Check the claim deadline immediately after employment termination.
Using Unofficial Websites
Use the official ILOE website or approved channels for subscriptions, payments and claims.
Confusing Basic Salary With Total Salary
The ILOE category and compensation calculation use the applicable basic salary.
Ignoring Your Visa Status
ILOE compensation does not automatically resolve your UAE residence or visa status after employment ends.
Can an Amer Centre Help With ILOE Insurance?
ILOE subscription and claims are handled through the official ILOE channels.
However, employment termination can sometimes involve several other government transactions, such as visa cancellation, immigration status changes and Emirates ID procedures.
At Amer Smart Lounge, our team can assist customers with applicable UAE government transactions related to visas, Emirates ID, immigration and other services.
Basima, our Customer Happiness Consultant, focuses on helping customers understand the correct government service they need before proceeding. This can be particularly helpful when a customer is dealing with several processes after changing or ending employment.
You can explore the full range of Amer Smart Lounge Services.
Looking for an Amer Center Near Me?
If you are searching online for an Amer near me or Amer Center near me, it is important to choose a convenient centre that provides the government services relevant to your situation.
Amer Smart Lounge is located at Oasis Tower, Ground Floor, near Financial Centre Metro Station on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Visit Amer Smart Lounge – Amer Center Dubai to learn more about our location and services.
Our services include:
Visa services
Emirates ID services
Immigration services
Medical application services
Golden Visa services
Family visa services
Labour-related services
Translation and attestation
Business services
PRO services
Other government transactions
You can also visit our Contact Amer Smart Lounge page for assistance.
Official Resources for ILOE Insurance in UAE
For current ILOE requirements, employees should always verify information through official UAE and ILOE sources.
ILOE Official Portal
ILOE – Involuntary Loss of Employment Insurance
Use the official portal for subscription, renewal, policy information, claims and other ILOE services.
ILOE FAQ
Official ILOE Frequently Asked Questions
The official FAQ provides information about eligibility, payment, claims and policy requirements.
ILOE Compensation Calculator
Official ILOE Compensation Calculator
Use the official calculator to estimate potential compensation.
UAE Government
UAE Government – Unemployment Insurance
The UAE Government portal provides information about the unemployment insurance scheme.
MOHRE
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation
MOHRE provides official information about employment and labour-related matters in the UAE.
ICP
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
ICP provides official services and information related to identity, residency and immigration matters.
GDRFA Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
GDRFA Dubai is the official authority for applicable residency and immigration services in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions About ILOE Insurance UAE
Is ILOE insurance mandatory in the UAE?
Yes. ILOE subscription is mandatory for employees covered by the private-sector and federal-government categories, subject to the applicable exemptions.
How much does ILOE insurance cost in UAE?
Category A costs AED 5 + VAT per month for employees with a basic salary of AED 16,000 or less. Category B costs AED 10 + VAT per month for employees with a basic salary above AED 16,000.
How much compensation can I receive from ILOE?
Eligible employees can receive up to 60% of their average basic salary for the six months preceding unemployment, subject to the maximum amount applicable to their category.
What is the maximum ILOE compensation?
Category A has a maximum benefit of AED 10,000 per month, while Category B has a maximum benefit of AED 20,000 per month.
How long does ILOE compensation last?
Compensation can be paid for a maximum of three consecutive months for a qualifying claim.
How long must I subscribe to ILOE before I can claim?
The official ILOE scheme requires at least 12 consecutive months of subscription before becoming eligible for compensation.
Can I claim ILOE if I resign?
Generally, no. ILOE is intended for qualifying involuntary loss of employment, and voluntary resignation is not covered.
How soon should I submit my ILOE claim?
The official ILOE FAQ states that a claim must be submitted within 30 days from the termination date.
Can ILOE compensation replace my salary?
No. ILOE provides temporary financial compensation and does not permanently replace your salary.
Can I pay ILOE monthly?
Yes. The official ILOE information lists monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual/full payment options, depending on the available channel.
What happens if I stop paying ILOE?
If premiums remain unpaid for more than three months from the due date under the selected payment plan, the policy can be cancelled and a fine may apply under the applicable law.
Is ILOE the same as unemployment benefits in other countries?
ILOE is the UAE’s own involuntary loss of employment insurance scheme. Its eligibility, contribution and compensation rules are specific to the UAE.
Where can I subscribe to ILOE?
You can subscribe through the official ILOE website or other approved channels.
Final Thoughts
ILOE Insurance is an important financial protection scheme for eligible employees working in the UAE. Understanding how the scheme works before you actually need it can help you avoid missed deadlines, unpaid premiums and confusion about eligibility.
The most important points to remember are:
ILOE stands for Involuntary Loss of Employment.
Subscription is mandatory for covered employees, subject to exemptions.
Category A applies to basic salaries of AED 16,000 or less.
Category B applies to basic salaries above AED 16,000.
The monthly premium is AED 5 + VAT for Category A and AED 10 + VAT for Category B.
Eligible compensation can be up to 60% of average basic salary for the preceding six months.
Category A compensation is capped at AED 10,000 per month.
Category B compensation is capped at AED 20,000 per month.
Compensation can generally be paid for up to three consecutive months per claim.
At least 12 consecutive months of subscription is required before a qualifying claim.
Claims should generally be submitted within 30 days of employment termination.
Voluntary resignation generally does not qualify.
ILOE is separate from your UAE visa and Emirates ID.
Always check the latest information through official ILOE and UAE Government sources.
If you have recently lost your job and need assistance with your next visa, Emirates ID or immigration procedure, Amer Smart Lounge can help with applicable UAE government transactions.
Looking for an Amer Center near me? Visit Amer Smart Lounge in Dubai or contact our team.
