Frequently asked questions about unemployment security, Part 3: Unemployment fund membership, earnings-related unemployment allowance and mobility allowance
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 […]
Frequently asked questions about unemployment security, Part 2: Earnings-related unemployment allowance, choosing an unemployment fund and support for accepting work
Many people have the same questions about unemployment fund membership and unemployment security. We have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. When are you entitled to earnings-related unemployment allowance? You may be entitled to earnings-related unemployment allowance once you have fulfilled the employment condition while being a member of an […]
Disruption in the delivery of mailed documents
A-kassa has identified a system error that has delayed the mailing of some documents to members during the period from 6 to 18 July 2026. The delay may affect, for example, benefit decisions, requests for additional information, payment notifications, membership fee invoices, and other letters sent to members by post. We are investigating […]
The new Youth Employment Voucher opens a pathway to working life and earnings-related unemployment security
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 […]
Frequently asked questions about unemployment security, Part 1: Membership, earnings-related unemployment allowance and mobility allowance
Unemployment security often raises practical questions. When should you join an unemployment fund, how much earnings-related allowance can you receive, and what should you do if accepting a job requires a long commute or moving? Why is it worth belonging to an unemployment fund? As a member of an unemployment fund, you may receive […]
The employment condition is accrued based on wages paid
Meeting the employment condition is one of the requirements for receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance. The employment condition is accrued based on wages paid, and you must accumulate at least 12 employment condition months while you are a member of an unemployment fund. Sometimes members contact the unemployment fund before starting a new job to […]
Studying while receiving unemployment benefits becomes easier
As a member of the Open Unemployment Fund, you will soon be able to study at an open university or an open university of applied sciences more freely than before without losing your unemployment benefit. On 9 June 2026, Parliament approved a legislative amendment aimed at making it easier for unemployed jobseekers to develop their […]
Volunteering while unemployed – always notify the employment authority
Many unemployed people wonder whether they can use their time to help others or contribute to the common good. As an unemployed jobseeker, you can generally engage in unpaid, ordinary voluntary work or community volunteer activities without losing your unemployment benefits. However, the work must not delay or prevent you from seeking or accepting full-time […]
How does the way a lay-off is implemented affect the unemployment benefit?
There are several different forms of lay-offs, each with their specific impact on daily allowance payouts. Furthermore, the form of a lay-off has an impact on the final amount of daily allowance. Lay-off options: full-time ⇒ earnings-related allowance is paid for lay-off days shortening of weekly working hours of a full-time job by full […]
Members Value A-kassa’s Digital Services – but the Need for Personalised Support Is Growing
According to A-kassa’s latest member survey, members remain satisfied with the fund’s services. Particular praise was given to A-kassa’s digital services, which received high ratings for ease of use, smooth functionality and professional expertise. At the same time, members increasingly wish to receive personalised guidance in situations where their career path or employment relationship differs […]
Number of Earnings-Related Allowance Recipients at A-kassa Fell by Almost One Fifth – No Signs of Rising Long-Term Unemployment
The number of recipients of earnings-related unemployment allowance from A-kassa continued to decline sharply in May and was nearly one fifth lower than a year earlier. At the same time, the number of people who reached the maximum benefit period has not increased, suggesting that long-term unemployment among A-kassa members is not on the rise. […]
Midsummer affects service hours and payment dates
Midsummer causes changes to the unemployment fund’s service hours and benefit payment dates. Telephone service and eService chat On Thursday 18 June, we serve as usual otherwise, but the eService chat and the telephone line for authorities will close at 14:00. On Friday 19 June, customer service is closed. eService The eService is […]
Starting Military Service? Don’t Cancel Your Unemployment Fund Membership
Every July, many young people begin their military service. Military service changes everyday life for several months. If you have been working before your service begins and have joined an unemployment fund, it is worth keeping your membership active during your service. This ensures that both your membership period and any employment condition you have […]
School jobs often end for the summer – how does it affect unemployment security?
Many teachers, school assistants and other school employees see their employment contracts end when pupils begin their summer holiday. Work may continue again in the autumn, but the summer break often means a period of unemployment in practice. There are some specific features of unemployment security in the education sector that are worth understanding well […]
Looking for work abroad and earnings-related unemployment allowance – what should you know?
If you are dreaming of working abroad, you should find out whether you are eligible to take a job-seeking trip abroad while receiving earnings-related allowance. If you travel to another EU/EEA country or to Switzerland to look for a job, your journey is considered a ‘job-seeking trip.’ It can last a maximum of three […]
Studying while receiving unemployment benefits: current rules and proposed changes
As a member of the Unemployment Fund, you may in certain situations study while receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance. The government is currently preparing a legislative amendment that could make it easier in the future to study, particularly through open studies, while receiving unemployment benefits. The government’s proposed legislative amendment could make open studies easier […]
Professional sports usually do not qualify for earnings-related allowance – what should athletes take into account?
An athlete’s work and income may differ significantly from regular paid employment. Professional sports often involve fixed-term contracts, competition and compensation income, sponsorship income, and varying forms of work. These special characteristics of the sports industry are also reflected in how earnings-related allowance is determined. Not all income earned from sports qualifies for earnings-related allowance […]
Phishing is becoming more common – here’s how to handle your matters with A-kassa securely
Handling matters online has become part of everyday life for more and more people, but unfortunately scam attempts and phishing have also increased at the same time. At A-kassa, secure online services are a very important part of our service, but your own choices can also effectively help prevent phishing and misuse. We have compiled […]
The number of earnings-related allowance recipients fell by more than 17 percent compared to last year
In April, the number of recipients of earnings-related allowance from Open Unemployment Fund continued to decline significantly. There were more than 17 percent fewer recipients than a year earlier, and the number of applications also dropped sharply. Data from mid-May indicates that the downward trend is continuing. The number of people receiving allowance during layoffs […]
A job can turn up in unexpected places – skills are transferable across a wide variety of sectors
In our previous job search articles, we explored expanding the scope of your job search, accepting a job farther from home, practical solutions for making it easier to accept work and the competitive landscape of the job market. This time around, we explore how expanding the scope of your job search is not limited […]