Unemployment security involves many complex issues. We have compiled answers to questions that we are frequently asked.
Who can receive earnings-related unemployment allowance?
Earnings-related unemployment allowance may be paid to an unemployed or temporarily laid-off jobseeker who belongs to an unemployment fund and fulfils the membership and employment conditions. The person’s job search must also be valid.
Read more about the conditions for receiving earnings-related allowance.
How much is the full earnings-related unemployment allowance?
The amount of the full earnings-related unemployment allowance is based on the wage income received before unemployment. There is no single amount that applies to everyone, as earnings-related unemployment allowance consists of a basic component and an earnings-related component calculated on the basis of salary.
You can estimate the amount of your allowance using A-kassa’s daily allowance calculator. More information about the basis of calculation is available in the article How is earnings-related allowance calculated?
What does the staggering of earnings-related allowance mean?
The staggering of earnings-related allowance means that the amount of the allowance decreases as unemployment continues. The allowance is initially paid in full, after which it is reduced, or staggered, once the number of benefit days specified by law has been reached.
The full earnings-related unemployment allowance is paid for 40 benefit days if you are fully unemployed or temporarily laid off. After the first reduction, the allowance is 80% of the full allowance amount. This amount is paid for benefit days 41–170.
After the second reduction, the allowance is 75% of the full allowance amount. This amount is paid from the 171st benefit day until the end of the allowance period.
Staggering affects the amount of the allowance but not the maximum duration of earnings-related allowance. Read more about the amount and staggering of earnings-related allowance.
Is A-kassa the same as the Open Unemployment Fund?
Yes. A-kassa’s official name is Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa. It is a multi-sector unemployment fund that any wage-earner can join, regardless of industry or occupation.
Read more about A-kassa membership.
When can you apply for mobility allowance?
You can apply for mobility allowance when, while unemployed, you accept a sufficiently long-term job that involves a long commute or moving because of the job.
The allowance may also be paid during work-related training if the other conditions for the benefit are met. Check the conditions for mobility allowance before applying.
Where do you apply for mobility allowance?
Työttömyyskassan jäsen hakee liikkuvuusavustusta omasta työttömyyskassastaan. A-kassan jäsen löytää hakemiseen liittyvät ohjeet A-kassan hakuoppaasta.
Hakemus kannattaa toimittaa mahdollisimman pian työn tai koulutuksen alkamisen jälkeen.
Is mobility allowance taxable?
Mobility allowance is taxable income. The unemployment fund withholds tax from the benefit on the basis of the information on the tax card. It is advisable to request a separate revised tax card for benefits.
Read more about the taxation of mobility allowance and earnings-related allowance on A-kassa’s website.
Is it worth belonging to an unemployment fund?
It is advisable to belong to an unemployment fund if you want the possibility of receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance during unemployment or temporary lay-off. Without unemployment fund membership, you cannot receive earnings-related unemployment allowance even if you have been working for a long time.
When should you join an unemployment fund?
It is advisable to join an unemployment fund as soon as you enter working life. The employment condition can usually be accrued only while you are a member of an unemployment fund, and membership cannot begin retroactively.
The earlier your membership begins, the earlier you may fulfil the conditions for earnings-related allowance. Join A-kassa by completing the online membership application.
See also Part 1 and Part 2 of the FAQ series and the Frequently Asked Questions page.