The limits of burden-reducing policies: A case study of unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 crisis in Israel

Citation:

Tarshish, N., Benish, A., Eseed, R., Gal, J., & Holler, R. . (2022). The limits of burden-reducing policies: A case study of unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 crisis in Israel. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 30, 77–93. The Policy Press. doi:10.1332/175982721x16400141718771

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.

Notes:

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