A-kassa (Unemployment fund)
An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance.
Detailed explanation
In Finland, unemployment benefits come in different forms. Kela's general social security benefit (yleistuki) is available if you are not in a fund, but if you're a member of an unemployment fund, you may qualify for an earnings-related allowance that's significantly higher. The earnings-related allowance is calculated based on your previous salary, typically replacing about 50-70% of your former income up to a certain cap.
To qualify for earnings-related benefits, you must have been a member of an unemployment fund while meeting the work requirement: 12 months of work in the past 28 months. The membership period and work history must overlap. Simply joining a fund right before unemployment won't qualify you for benefits.
There are multiple unemployment funds in Finland, each serving different sectors. Some are connected to trade unions, while others are independent funds open to anyone regardless of profession. The monthly membership fee typically ranges from about 3-11 euros, which is a small investment compared to the potential benefits.
How it affects expats
- Start early: Join an unemployment fund as soon as you start working in Finland to build your eligibility period
- Transferable rights: If you've worked in another EU/EEA country, your work history may count toward Finnish unemployment benefits
- Language barriers: Most funds offer services in Finnish and Swedish, but some provide English support
- Residence permit considerations: Your right to benefits may depend on your residence permit type and status
- Don't confuse with union membership: A-kassa membership is separate from trade union membership, though some unions include fund membership
Typical values
- Membership fee: about 3-11 euros per month (roughly 40-130 euros per year)
- General social security benefit (yleistuki, Kela): up to 37.21 euros per day in 2026, means-tested
- Earnings-related allowance: Can be 60-80 euros or more daily, depending on previous salary
Our guide to unemployment benefit in Finland compares the earnings-related allowance from a fund with Kela's basic benefit.
Related terms
- TE Services: Municipal employment services and Job Market Finland
- Trade union: An organization that can provide advice, legal help, and support for employees
- Kela: Finland's Social Insurance Institution