WorkUpdated: October 12, 2026
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Työmarkkinatuki: former labor market subsidy
Työmarkkinatuki was a means-tested 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 labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) 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
- Same idea, new name: Yleistuki is the means-tested safety net for jobseekers without earnings-related allowance
- Own income matters: The benefit is means-tested, so your own earned and capital income can reduce it. Your partner's or spouse's income does not count
- Register first: You must be registered as an unemployed jobseeker with your municipality's employment services (Job Market Finland)
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
- Peruspäiväraha (Basic Allowance): The other former benefit that yleistuki replaced
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