Government proposes lower rate of general social security benefit for unemployed who have lived in Finland for under 3 years
The Government has submitted a proposal to Parliament for the amendment of the Act on the General Social Security Benefit and laws that relate to integration. If approved by Parliament, the amendments will apply to unemployed jobseekers who have lived in Finland for less than three years.
The Government has proposed amendments to the Act on the General Social Security Benefit and laws that relate to integration. If approved by Parliament, the amendments will come into effect on 1 April 2027. They will apply to unemployed jobseekers who have lived in Finland for less than three years in the past ten years.
How would this affect the unemployment-based general social security benefit?
According to the proposal, the general social security benefit granted on the basis of unemployment would be paid at a reduced rate to unemployed jobseekers who have lived in Finland for less than three years in the past ten years and who do not meet the work requirement for unemployment benefits. The proposal calls this integration support (kotoutumistuki), but it is not a new, separate benefit.
According to the proposal, living in another EU or EEA country or Switzerland would also count towards the three-year residence requirement. As such, you will meet the residence requirement immediately after moving to Finland if you have lived in any of these countries for at least three years in the past ten years.
The reduced rate for the general social security benefit would be EUR 33.64 per day (calculated based on the amount of general social security benefit payable in 2026).
The provision would only apply to persons who move to Finland after it enters into force. However, certain amendments will also apply to individuals who are already living in Finland under temporary protection. More information about the changes that apply to them: Government proposes extension of right to general social security benefit to individuals under temporary protection as of 1 April 2027.
When would the benefit be paid in full?
According to the proposal, the amount of unemployment-based general social security benefit will not be reduced if
- the jobseeker’s native language is Finnish, Swedish or one of the Sámi languages
- the jobseeker has demonstrated their Finnish or Swedish language skills as defined by the employment authorities.
- the jobseeker has completed the primary and lower secondary education syllabus (comprehensive school syllabus) or the general upper secondary school syllabus, the matriculation examination or a vocational qualification in Finnish, Swedish or Sami.
The amount of general social security benefit will also not be reduced if the jobseeker cannot demonstrate their language skills due to a disability or for another similar reason.
When are the proposed changes intended to enter into force?
The amendments will enter into force on 1 April 2027 if Parliament approves the government proposal.
Kela will provide more information to customers once the amendments have been finalised.