New EU Rules: Unemployment Benefits and Child Allowances – News for Romanians in the Diaspora

The European Parliament has voted on a new package of rules regarding the coordination of social security systems across the European Union, with direct implications for Romanians working abroad and the families they have left behind. The news was announced by PSD MEP Gabriela Firea following the vote in the Strasbourg plenary session.

Who pays unemployment benefit

One of the key changes stipulates that unemployment benefit will be paid by the country where the person actually worked and contributed to the social insurance system.

Furthermore, the period during which unemployment benefit can be transferred to another member state, should the recipient be seeking employment there, is being extended from three to six months. If the national legislation of the relevant country permits, this period may be extended further.

Child allowance, even when the child remains in Romania

The new rules establish that a parent employed in an EU member state will be entitled to claim child allowance from the country where they work, even if the child lives in another member state – including Romania, in the care of grandparents or other relatives.

Additional protection for vulnerable individuals

For the first time, the legislative package introduces common European-level rules on the protection of elderly, ill, or disabled persons, in response to the ageing of the EU's population.

According to Gabriela Firea, the aim of the new measures is to provide greater social protection and security for European citizens working far from their home country, ensuring they have simpler access to their social rights, regardless of which member state they choose to live or work in.