Työttömyysturva: unemployment benefit

2026 reform: On 1 May 2026, Kela's basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) and labour market subsidy (työmarkkinatuki) were merged into a single new benefit, the general social security benefit (yleistuki). The earnings-related allowance paid by unemployment funds was not affected. Check kela.fi for the current rules.

Detailed explanation

Since the 1 May 2026 reform, Finland's unemployment protection has two main tiers:

1. Ansiopäiväraha / ansiosidonnainen (earnings-related unemployment allowance): The highest level of support, available to those who have been members of an unemployment fund (työttömyyskassa) and meet the employment condition. This pays approximately 50-70% of your previous salary. This benefit was not changed by the 2026 reform. 2. Yleistuki (general social security benefit): A flat-rate benefit from Kela for unemployed people who are not entitled to — or have exhausted — the earnings-related allowance. On 1 May 2026 it replaced the former basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) and labour market subsidy (työmarkkinatuki), which were combined into this single benefit. The daily amount is about 37.21 EUR (roughly 800 EUR/month), and unlike the old basic allowance it is means-tested, so capital or other income can reduce it.

To receive any unemployment benefit, you must register as a job seeker with TE Services (the employment office) and actively seek work. The system combines income support with active labor market policies — you're expected to participate in job search activities, training, or other employment services.

How it affects expats

• •Fund membership matters: If you want earnings-related benefits, join an unemployment fund while employed

• •Employment condition: You typically need 26 weeks of employment in the past 28 months

• •Registration required: You must register with TE Services within days of becoming unemployed

• •Active job seeking: You must actively look for work and accept suitable job offers

• •Residence permit impact: Losing your job may affect your right to stay in Finland if your permit is employment-based

• •Language requirements: TE Services may require participation in Finnish language courses

Types of unemployment benefits

Ansiosidonnainen päiväraha (earnings-related allowance):

• •Highest benefit level (50-70% of previous salary)

• •Requires membership in unemployment fund (liittojen kassa or yleinen kassa)

• •Requires 26 weeks of employment in 28 months while being a fund member

• •Maximum duration: 300-500 days depending on work history and age

Yleistuki (general social security benefit, from 1 May 2026):

• •Flat rate of approximately 37.21 EUR/day (about 800 EUR/month)

• •Paid by Kela

• •Replaced the former basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha) and labour market subsidy (työmarkkinatuki), which were merged into this single benefit

• •Available both to those who meet the employment condition without fund membership and to those entering the job market or who have exhausted other benefits

• •Means-tested: capital or other income can reduce the amount

• •No maximum duration

How to apply for unemployment benefits

• Immediately when unemployed: Register as a job seeker at TE Services (te-palvelut.fi)

• Create an employment plan: Work with TE Services to create your job search plan

• Apply for benefits:

• •Earnings-related: Apply to your unemployment fund

• •Yleistuki (general social security benefit): Apply to Kela

• Report regularly: Submit job search reports as required

• Attend appointments: Participate in scheduled meetings with TE Services

• Remain active: Continue applying for jobs and participating in offered services

Unemployment funds (a-kassa)

To receive earnings-related benefits, you must join an unemployment fund while employed:

• •Membership fee: Typically 5-20 EUR/month

• •Join through your union: Most trade unions have associated funds

• •Independent funds: YTK is a general fund not tied to any union

• •Waiting period: Usually 26 weeks of membership and employment before eligibility

Related terms

• •A-kassa (Unemployment Fund) — An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance

• •Ansiosidonnainen (Earnings-Related) — Finland's highest unemployment benefit tier, paying 50-70% of previous salary to qualified unemployment fund members

• •Peruspäiväraha (Basic Allowance) — Flat-rate unemployment benefit from Kela for those who meet employment conditions but aren't in an unemployment fund

• •Työmarkkinatuki (Labor Market Subsidy) — Means-tested unemployment support from Kela for those without employment history or who've exhausted other benefits

• •TE Services — Public employment services