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WorkUpdated: October 12, 2026
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Työttömyysturva: unemployment benefit

Finland's unemployment protection system providing financial support during job searches through various benefit types.

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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 means-tested 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 your municipality's employment services (Job Market Finland) 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 need 12 months of work in the past 28 months
  • Registration required: You must register with the municipal employment 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: The municipal employment 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 12 months of work in the past 28 months while being a fund member
  • Maximum duration: 300, 400 or 500 days depending on work history and age

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

  • Means-tested, 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
  • Waiting period: 21 weeks for those without a vocational or higher education degree (upper secondary school alone does not count)
  • No maximum duration

How to apply for unemployment benefits

  1. Immediately when unemployed: Register as a job seeker on Job Market Finland (tyomarkkinatori.fi)
  2. Create an employment plan: Work with the municipal employment services to create your job search plan
  3. Apply for benefits:
    • Earnings-related: Apply to your unemployment fund
    • Yleistuki (general social security benefit): Apply to Kela
  4. Report regularly: Submit job search reports as required
  5. Attend appointments: Participate in scheduled meetings with the municipal employment services
  6. 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: Roughly 3-11 EUR/month (about 40-130 EUR/year)
  • Join through your union: Most trade unions have associated funds
  • Independent funds: YTK is a general fund not tied to any union
  • Membership condition: Fund membership while meeting the work requirement (12 months of work in the past 28 months)

Our guide to unemployment benefit in Finland compares the two routes: an unemployment fund or Kela.

Related terms

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.Employment support programs in FinlandFree municipal employment services, training programs, and resources available to job seekers in Finland. What's available and how to access it.Jobs in Finland for foreigners: where to find workHow to find a job in Finland as a foreigner. English-speaking jobs, job sites, salaries, employment law and what Finnish employers expect.
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