The new Youth Employment Voucher, expanded in July, makes it easier for unemployed young people under the age of 30 to find work. The Open Unemployment Fund reminds young people that work performed under the Youth Employment Voucher counts towards the employment condition required for earnings-related unemployment allowance in the same way as any other paid employment. However, the employment condition is accrued only while you are a member of an unemployment fund.
The reform, which entered into force at the beginning of July, expanded the use of the Youth Employment Voucher by removing the requirement for a minimum period of unemployment before the employment relationship begins. Companies, associations and foundations can now hire an unemployed person under the age of 30 for an employment relationship of at least three months using the Youth Employment Voucher. The subsidy paid to the employer covers 50 per cent of wage costs for up to six months, with a maximum of €1,500 per month.
Work performed under the Youth Employment Voucher accrues the employment condition according to the normal rules. In 2026, one full employment condition month is accrued if at least €930 in wages that count towards the employment condition is paid during a calendar month. Wages of at least €465 but less than €930 accrue half an employment condition month. Wages paid by different employers during the same calendar month can be combined when assessing the employment condition.
The Open Unemployment Fund reminds jobseekers that the employment condition for earnings-related unemployment allowance only accrues from work performed while the person is a member of an unemployment fund. If a person joins the fund only after the employment relationship has ended or after becoming unemployed, work performed before joining the fund cannot generally be taken into account when determining entitlement for earnings-related unemployment allowance.
The Youth Employment Voucher is a subsidy granted by the employment authority to companies, associations and foundations that hire an unemployed person under the age of 30. The aim of the reform is to lower the threshold for employing young people and make the transition into working life easier.
More information about the Youth Employment Voucher is available from the employment authority and on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: https://tem.fi/nuorten-tyollistymisseteli . This release explains how the Youth Employment Voucher affects earnings-related unemployment security.