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Quick guide to unemployment benefits

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. After that you can receive unemployment benefits from the unemployment fund or from Kela.

If you become unemployed If unemployment continues When you find work

If you become unemployed

Register as an unemployed jobseeker

If you meet the work requirement

If you are a member of a trade union (e.g. PAM or JHL) and that way a member of an unemployment fund, or if you are only a member of an unemployment fund, apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance from the fund. If you are not a member of an unemployment fund, you should apply for basic unemployment allowance from Kela.

Labour policy statement

Register immediately as an unemployed jobseeker according to the instructions of the TE Services. After that you can receive unemployment benefits from the unemployment fund or from Kela. Unemployment benefits are paid only during the period that you are listed as an unemployed jobseeker (looking for a job) with the TE Services. The TE Services issue a statement to Kela on whether the qualifying criteria for an unemployment benefit are met.
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Kela pays the benefit

It is worthwhile to apply for labour market subsidy or basic unemployment allowance only after the waiting period has been completed. 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.

You are over 25 years of age and you have completed vocational training

Unemployment benefits can be granted to unemployed jobseekers aged 17-64 years who live in Finland and who are fit for work, available to the labour market and in need of economic support.

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You are under 25 years of age and you have not completed vocational training

There are specific entitlement criteria for unemployment benefits for persons under 25 years of age. Persons who have not completed vocational training cannot receive labour market subsidy until after a qualifying period of 5 months.

Report continued unemployment

Complete the unemployment status report every four weeks.

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Basic unemployment allowance for 400 days

Basic unemployment allowance is usually paid 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.