The maximum payment period for receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance is not the same for everyone. An unemployment fund can pay earnings-related allowance for a maximum of 300, 400 or 500 benefit days. The length of a person’s employment history determines whether the maximum period is 300 or 400 days. The longest maximum period, 500 days, requires both a sufficient employment history and that the age requirement is met.
The maximum payment period is determined as follows:
- 300 days if your employment history is no more than three years.
- 400 days if your employment history exceeds three years.
- 500 days if you have reached the age of 58 before fulfilling the employment condition and have at least five years of employment history during the previous 20 years.
Turning 58 is not enough on its own
Neither a long employment history nor reaching the age of 58 alone entitles you to the 500-day maximum payment period. Both conditions must be met.
The key point in time is when you fulfil the employment condition. If you turn 58 only after the employment condition has been fulfilled, you do not meet the age requirement for the 500-day maximum payment period for that benefit period.
The maximum payment period does not change during the benefit period
A-kassa determines the maximum payment period when payment of earnings-related unemployment allowance begins. The number of payable benefit days does not change during the same maximum payment period, even if you later turn 58 or accumulate additional employment history.
This means that two employees of almost the same age who have both had long careers may receive different maximum payment periods. The difference depends on when they reached the age of 58 in relation to when they fulfilled the employment condition.
A difference of 200 benefit days has a significant impact
The difference between the 300-day and 500-day maximum periods is 200 benefit days. As earnings-related unemployment allowance is paid for a maximum of five days per week, this corresponds to approximately 40 weeks of payments for a person who is fully unemployed.
Similarly, the difference between the 300-day and 400-day maximum payment periods is 100 benefit days, or approximately 20 weeks of payments. During prolonged unemployment, these differences affect how long a person can receive earnings-related unemployment allowance before reaching the maximum payment period.
However, benefit days do not correspond directly to calendar days. For example, the adjusted earnings-related allowance paid during part-time work generally reduces the remaining maximum payment period more slowly than the full earnings-related allowance. As a result, the actual duration of the benefit period varies depending on the person’s circumstances. A maximum of five benefit days can be paid per week.
Your maximum payment period is confirmed in the decision
A-kassa checks your employment history and whether you meet the age requirement when your entitlement to earnings-related allowance begins. The maximum payment period is stated in your decision on earnings-related unemployment allowance.
In special situations, such as periods of employment abroad, self-employment or an unusual employment history, it is advisable to contact A-kassa to confirm how your situation will be assessed.