Unemployed or not?

The employment office issues a binding statement to Kela about whether you are considered to be an unemployed job seeker who is eligible for Basic Unemployment Allowance. If the employment office considers you a full-time student or a self-employed person, you do not qualify for the allowance.

Renew your status as an unemployed job seeker

Unemployment benefits are payable only if you are registered with the employment office as an unemployed job seeker. The waiting period (i.e., when you are not yet eligible for unemployment benefits) will not begin to run until you have registered with the employment office.

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must actively seek employment and accept offered work or training. You must renew your status as an unemployed job seeker in the manner specified by the employment office, for example by reporting regularly to the office.

If you decline offered work or training

The employment office may withdraw your eligibility for unemployment benefits for a specified period if you turn down an offer for work or training or do not renew your status as an unemployed job seeker.

Updated 10/22/12