BenefitsUpdated: October 12, 2026
Last reviewed:
Peruspäiväraha: former basic unemployment allowance
Peruspäiväraha was a flat-rate unemployment benefit from Kela. It ended on 30 April 2026 and was replaced by the general social security benefit (yleistuki).
Replaced on 1 May 2026: The basic unemployment allowance and the labour market subsidy (työmarkkinatuki) were both replaced by the general social security benefit (yleistuki), paid by Kela. New applications are made for yleistuki.
What replaced it
General social security benefit (yleistuki) from Kela: 37.21 EUR/day (about 800 EUR/month, 5 days a week), means-tested, for unemployed jobseekers aged 18-64 with permanent residence in Finland who are registered with their municipality's employment services via Job Market Finland and are not entitled to earnings-related allowance (or it has run out). There is no time limit, and a 21-week qualifying period applies if you have no vocational or higher degree. Details: Kela.
How it affects expats
- Not a separate benefit any more: If you read older guides that mention peruspäiväraha, apply for yleistuki instead
- No fund membership required for yleistuki, but earnings-related allowance from an unemployment fund (work requirement: 12 months of work in the past 28 months) is usually higher
- Register first: You must be registered as an unemployed jobseeker with your municipality's employment services (Job Market Finland)
- Apply to Kela: Yleistuki is handled by Kela, earnings-related allowance by your fund
Our guide to unemployment benefit in Finland explains how the current system works.
Related terms
- Työttömyysturva (Unemployment Benefit): Finland's unemployment protection system providing financial support during job searches through various benefit types
- TE Services: Municipal employment services and Job Market Finland
- Kela: Finland's Social Insurance Institution
- Ansiosidonnainen (Earnings-Related): Unemployment benefit paid by an unemployment fund based on your previous salary
- Työmarkkinatuki (Labor Market Subsidy): The other former benefit that yleistuki replaced
Related Benefits terms
A-kassa (Unemployment fund)An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance.Kela: Finnish social insurance institution explainedFinland's Social Insurance Institution; administers many benefits.Lapsilisä (Child Benefit)A monthly tax-free payment from Kela for every child under 17 living in Finland, regardless of family income.Terveysasema (health center)Public health center providing primary healthcare services to residents of Finnish municipalities.
Explore more topics
Unemployment benefits in Finland: guide for immigrantsUnderstanding Finnish unemployment benefits: municipal employment services registration, earnings-related allowance, general social security benefit (yleistuki), A-kassa membership, job search requirements, and support services.Healthcare in Finland: complete guide for immigrantsNavigate the Finnish healthcare system. Public and private healthcare, occupational health, Kela card, payment ceilings, prescriptions, dental care, mental health services, and emergencies.Social security in Finland: Kela registration and benefits guideGuide to Finnish social security for immigrants. Kela registration, healthcare coverage, housing allowance, child benefits, EHIC, and requirements for non-EU citizens.