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Quick guide to unemployment benefits

If you become unemployed, register immediately as an unemployed jobseeker with the TE Services. After that you can receive unemployment benefits from the unemployment fund or from Kela. Unemployment benefits provided by Kela are the basic unemployment allowance and the labour market subsidy.

If you become unemployed If unemployment continues When you find work

If you become unemployed

First register as an unemployed jobseeker with the TE Services

If you become unemployed or if your studies have ended but you don't have a job, you should immediately register as an unemployed jobseeker in accordance with the instructions of the TE Services.

Unemployment benefit from an unemployment fund or Kela?

If you are a member of an unemployment fund either through membership in a trade union (e.g. PAM or JHL) or otherwise, apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance from the fund. If you are not a member of an unemployment fund, you should apply for an unemployment benefit from Kela.

Labour policy statement

The TE Services give Kela a certificate about whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits. After that, Kela will process your application.

The waiting period is 5 working days

Apply for an unemployment benefit after the waiting period of 5 working days. Complete the application starting from the first day of unemployment, but do not file the application with Kela until the waiting period is completed. By doing so you can get a decision on your application quicker.

If you meet the work requirement

Unemployment benefits provided by Kela are the basic unemployment allowance and the labour market subsidy. You can apply for basic unemployment allowance if you meet the work requirement.

Apply now Read more

Are you aged under 25 years and without vocational qualifications?

There are specific entitlement criteria for unemployment benefits for persons under 25 years of age. If you have no completed vocational training, you must complete a 5-month qualifying period to be eligible for labour market subsidy.

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If unemployment continues

Report continued unemployment

File an unemployment status report online every 4 weeks. In order to receive unemployment benefits, you must submit an unemployment status report.

File a report online (in Finnish) Read more

Basic unemployment allowance for 400 days

As a rule, Kela pays basic unemployment allowance for a maximum of 400 days. After that it is possible to apply for labour market subsidy.

Adjusted unemployment benefit

When you find part-time or incidental work and you have some earnings you can still receive an unemployment benefit.

Long commute?

If you have found work, but the commute is long, you can receive a commuting and relocation allowance to cover the travel expenses.

When you find a job

Congratulations on your new job! When you find a full-time job that lasts for more than two weeks, please report it in the unemployment status report.