Significantly fewer recipients of earnings-related allowance than a year ago – the number of first applications declined from January
In February, the number of recipients of earnings-related allowance from the A-kassa continued to decrease compared to last year, but on a monthly level the situation remained almost unchanged. The number of applications received in February was clearly lower than a year earlier, and in particular the number of first applications declined from January. At […]
Frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits
Did you know that the A-kassa website has a Frequently asked questions page where we have collected answers to questions that our members often wonder about? On the page, you can quickly find answers to questions about, for example, earnings-related allowance, filling in the application and membership of the fund. The aim is to […]
See how light entrepreneurship affects unemployment security
Light entrepreneurship attracts more and more people to accept work, but many do not know how it affects unemployment security. From the perspective of the unemployment fund, light entrepreneurship is treated in the same way as other forms of entrepreneurship. If you work as a light entrepreneur, the labour market authority will assess whether […]
Did you find a new job further away? You may receive up to €800 per month in mobility allowance
In the first article in our job‑search series, we encouraged jobseekers to broaden their search from their home municipality to neighbouring areas or even to the whole of Finland. When the search area expands, the number of available vacancies may increase significantly. But what happens if a suitable job is located hundreds of kilometres […]
Entrepreneurship and earnings-related allowance – what you need to know
Employment relationship, self-employment, entrepreneurship. For the purpose of unemployment security, who is considered an entrepreneur? What does it mean if an employer offers you billable work rather than salaried work? Being an entrepreneur does not automatically exclude you from unemployment security. In this article, we discuss the definition of an entrepreneur, entrepreneur’s eligibility for earnings-related […]
One third of earnings-related allowance recipients already affected by the staggering – number of those reaching the maximum period has doubled in two years
According to A-kassa’s statistics, both the number of members affected by the staggered earnings-related allowance and the number of members who have reached the maximum payment period have increased significantly. The development is partly influenced by the entry into force of the staggering system and by the fact that the new legislation has gradually become […]
Under 25 years old: remember to apply for studies
The call for post-secondary education applications for spring is now open. To receive unemployment benefit, a young person under the age of 25 must apply for at least two study places for studies starting the next fall, if she/he does not have the necessary education. The conditions for receiving daily allowance for those under […]
Properly filled out application speeds up your application process
A-kassa aims to process applications efficiently and pay out your benefits as quickly as possible. When you fill out your application carefully and make sure to add all required attachments, your application is processed swiftly. Here are some tips to make your application process as smooth as possible: 1. Fill out your application carefully […]
The number of earnings-related allowance recipients increased by more than 10% in January, with a marked rise in the share of laid-off members
The number of earnings-related allowance recipients at A-kassa increased by 10.7% in January while the share of laid-off members reached 40%. First-time applications saw a sharp increase of 52.2% from December, and mid-February figures suggest an increase is inevitable in February as well. In January 2026, a total of 25,717 persons received earnings-related allowance […]
Changes to suspension periods will take effect at the beginning of March
Parliament has approved the government’s proposed legislative amendment, which will further tighten the rules on waiting periods. The amendments concern suspension periods related to jobseeking and employment services. Amendments are not proposed to suspension periods related to improper actions in other contexts. The changes will enter into force on 1 March 2026. A suspension […]
Have you considered extending the scope of your job search? You could see a vast increase in the number of vacancies available to you
People tend to take a safe and familiar approach to their job search, limiting the scope to their local area and their own field. This is understandable, as many are reluctant to upend all aspects of their daily life for the sake of employment. They have concerns about the time and cost of a long […]
Unemployment fund survey: Confidence in one’s own employment situation remains unchanged
In January 2026, A-kassa conducted a survey among its members on their employment situation. The survey examined members’ views on their own employment status. The results were compared with a similar survey carried out a year earlier. According to the results, members’ confidence in their own employment situation has remained unchanged, even though the share […]
How are meeting the employment condition and the graduated reduction of earnings-related unemployment allowance connected?
Meeting the employment condition and the graduated reduction of earnings-related unemployment allowance are closely linked. Each time the employment conditions are met and a new maximum payment period begins, the graduated reduction is reset and starts again from the beginning. Accumulation and fulfilment of the employment condition The employment condition is accumulated on a calendar-month […]
How much earnings-related unemployment allowance you can receive in 2026
Unemployment or lay-off may be a situation you are already familiar with and does not necessarily completely change your everyday life. It may also be an entirely new experience, accompanied by a strong initial reaction. In both cases, it is important to take steps to secure your income. One of the key questions is how […]
Did your work stop because of the frost?
In the event of a weather barrier, you can apply for a daily allowance from the fund under certain conditions. The weather barrier under the Unemployment Security Act only applies to the building and forestry industry. In other industries an employer may, if necessary, lay off a person for production and economic reasons. If work […]
The A-kassa membership fee is tax-deductible also in 2026
The unemployment fund membership fee is still tax-deductible. However, it is no longer automatically entered on the new tax card. According to the Finnish Tax Administration, the unemployment fund membership fee is is always tax-deductible. The Tax Administration notes that the change will also affect what appears on your tax card. The unemployment […]
Seasonal work in Lapland or across the border – what you should know about earnings-related unemployment allowance and benefits?
Seasonal work during the winter season in Lapland or a period of employment in Norway or Sweden can open up new opportunities, add variety to everyday life and provide valuable work experience. But what does seasonal work or working abroad mean in terms of earnings-related unemployment allowance and other benefits paid by A-kassa? The […]
Year-End Checklist 2025–2026
The turn of the year is a good time to check a few practical matters that affect the payment of earnings-related daily allowance and the availability of our customer service. We’ve compiled the most important reminders to support our members. Public holidays affect A-Kassa’s payment dates Public holidays affect the payment dates of the […]
Unemployment fund provides more than just unemployment security
Unemployment and lay-offs may pose challenges to personal finances. Saving money is a good way to prepare for unexpected expenses. However, it is advisable to consider other means of preparation as well. — As an unemployment fund member, your unemployment benefit is tied to the income you received before you became unemployed. This makes the […]
Number of recipients of earnings-related allowance down from last year
In November, the number of recipients of earnings-related allowance at A-kassa was 5% higher than in October. However, the number decreased by a substantial 26% compared to November 2024. Number of earnings-related allowance recipients up slightly in November In November, 20,455 members of the Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa received earnings-related allowance, an increase of […]