Unemployment benefits in Finland

There are two benefits available in Finland for periods of unemployment: the earnings-related allowance paid by unemployment funds and the general social security benefit paid by Kela.

The earnings-related allowance and general social security benefit cannot be paid for the same period. Either the earnings-related allowance or general social security benefit is paid for a period of unemployment or temporary lay-off. The benefit you are entitled to depends on the length of your work history and whether you are a member of an unemployment fund.

Qualifying for earnings-related allowance requires 12 months of employment and membership of an unemployment fund during that time. The amount of the earnings-related allowance is based on salary. You can use the allowance calculator to estimate your earnings-related allowance based on your salary. The earnings-related allowance also has a maximum period, after which the allowance is no longer paid. The maximum period is 300–500 days.

General social security benefit can be paid even if you have not yet accumulated any work history. The amount of general social security benefit is approximately €800 per month, and it has no maximum period. General social security benefit can also be paid after the maximum period of the earnings-related allowance has been reached.

Qualifying for both earnings-related allowance and general social security benefit requires that you have registered as a jobseeker with the employment official and handle your matters with the employment official in accordance with their instructions. This means, for example, maintaining an employment plan and participating in meetings and services.

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