The limits of burden-reducing policies: a case study of unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 crisis in Israel. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tarshish, Noam; Benish, Avishai; Eseed, Rana; Gal, John; Holler, Roni
• Is Part Of: Journal of poverty and social justice. Volume 30:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: administrative burden -- COVID-19 -- unemployment insurance (UI) -- cash benefits -- Israel; Poverty -- Periodicals; Social security -- Periodicals; Exclusion, social -- Periodicals; 361.6
• DOI: 10.1332/175982721X16400141718771
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8273

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines policy efforts to reduce administrative burden and to increase accessibility to unemployment insurance (UI) during the COVID-19 crisis in Israel and the consequences of these for claimants. A mixed-method approach was applied, utilising administrative documents, interviews and survey data. The findings suggest a mixed trend: burden-reducing measures were introduced but were constrained by the system's preexisting infrastructure. While some claimants experienced the process as simple, many others experienced it as onerous, primarily due to a lack of communication with authorities. Two key insights for successful implementation of burden-reduction policies are highlighted: a well-established infrastructure and bidirectional communication.