Transition security

The transition security package for persons who have reached the age of 55 was introduced at the beginning of 2023. Those covered by transition security are entitled to a transition security allowance, training, and extended employment leave.

• the transition security allowance corresponds to a month’s salary
• transition security training lasts a maximum of 6 months, and its value corresponds to a maximum of 2 months’ salary
• employment leave lasts 5 days longer than usual

Being covered by transition security requires that a person is:

• dismissed for production-related and financial grounds (the expiry of fixed-term employment does not fulfil the condition) on or after 1 January 2023.
• has reached the age of 55 by the time of their dismissal
• has been in the service of the same employer for at least 5 years by the time of the dismissal
• has registered as a jobseeker with the employment official within 60 days of the dismissal.

The time of dismissal refers to the day on which the notice of dismissal was given. If the period of notice is long, you must therefore register with the employment official even before unemployment begins.

Apply for transition security allowance from your own unemployment fund within three months. If you do not belong to an unemployment fund, apply for transition security allowance from Kela. The amount of transition security is the same regardless of whether the benefit is paid by an unemployment fund or Kela. The transition security allowance is paid from the unemployment fund even if fund membership started just before the dismissal and the person has not been a member long enough to receive earnings-related allowance from the unemployment fund.

The transition security allowance does not affect unemployment security or other benefits, with the exception of social assistance. Nor does it require unemployment. The allowance is paid even if the person immediately finds new employment with another employer.

Transition security training is procured by the employment official. Participation in transition security training is voluntary, and you can refuse it without losing unemployment security.