A-kassa’s AI app connects jobseekers to tens of thousands of jobs
Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa implemented a new digital EmploymentWizard service in April 2025. Powered by artificial intelligence, the service helps members in their job search, career planning and putting their skills and competences into words. Also, job openings are integrated into the Wizard, enabling it to suggest jobs based on the user’s profile. The Wizard […]
A-kassa survey: Unemployed have lost hundreds of euros – incentives have opposite effect
Conducted in August 2025, Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa’s member survey is exceptionally loud and clear with its results: government cuts to unemployment security have significantly undermined the financial security of unemployed members. As an incentive for finding employment, they are widely considered a failure. With the legislative amendments, the government aimed to make finding employment […]
Have you become unemployed – here’s what to do from day one
Unemployment can come unexpectedly, and the beginning may raise many questions. Our clear instructions tell you when and how to register as a jobseeker and apply for earnings-related allowance. By taking care of the basics on time and correctly, you ensure smooth payment of the allowance. 1. Register as a jobseeker Register as an […]
What is the difference between the waiting period and a suspension period (“karenssi”)?
There are periods during which earnings-related allowance is not paid, such as the waiting period and a suspension period (“karenssi”). These terms are often confused, although they refer to completely different things. Here is a brief overview of their differences and how they affect the payment of the allowance. Waiting period – when does […]
Do you have part-time or occasional employment during the summer? Are you aware of how part-time employment affects your earnings-related allowance?
Types of employment have diversified in both form and content. There is an increasing number of jobs where working hours vary and which do not involve a traditional employment relationship. As new technology solutions emerge, they bring about entirely new type of work. However, many jobs still remain where work is conducted full-time and under […]
When There’s a Job – But the Commute Is Too Long
Sometimes work isn’t available near where you live – but a long commute doesn’t necessarily mean you have to turn the job down. Many people don’t know that unemployment funds can, under certain conditions, pay mobility allowance if an unemployed person accepts a job or work-related training in another location or far from home. The […]
Make your dream of working abroad true – what you should know about unemployment security and job search in other countries
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 […]
A-kassa’s and Barona’s cooperation producing results – personal service praised by members
Collaboration between A-kassa and working life company Barona helps increasingly many members find new direction in their working life. The first framework agreements are now in place, and new career paths have already been found. Barona’s tailor-made job search service is a part of a greater endeavour launched by A-kassa in early 2025 to offer […]
We recommend retaining your fund membership when starting military service
In the beginning of July, another large group of new conscripts start their military service. The period of service will alter the conscripts’ life situation completely for several months. If you were employed before starting your service and a member of an unemployment fund, you should retain your membership even though your life situation temporarily […]
You might need a little help in your job search – A-kassa and Barona help you find your way back to working life
Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa and working life company Barona continue their close cooperation to provide their members with practical job search support. Launched in the spring of 2025, the tailor-made labour exchange service helps A-kassa members find matching job opportunities – including some they might not come to think of on their own. Barona’s […]
Summer employee, don’t forget the unemployment fund!
Summer is here, and many schoolchildren and students have started fixed-term summer jobs or are transitioning into working life after completing their studies. Summer jobs and temporary positions provide valuable work experience, income and something worthwhile to do, and they may even become springboards for future careers. For the future, one should ensure that unemployment […]
What is the mobility allowance?
The mobility allowance is a benefit for which you can apply from your unemployment fund if you are unemployed and have accepted a job or are starting training related to an employment relationship that lasts at least two months. To receive the allowance, the daily commute must take at least 3 hours for full-time work […]
Number of earnings-related allowance recipients on a clear downward trend – yet one in every ten members still a recipient
According to Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa’s statistics, the number of earnings-related allowance recipients is on a clear downward trajectory. In April, the number of daily allowance recipients stood at 28,986, a drop of more than 16% from April 2024. The number of laid-off persons has decreased even faster, declining by over 30% from a year […]
How to Access A-kassa’s Job Placement Service?
Who is the service for? A-kassa offers for its members a job placement service in collaboration with Barona. The service includes a tailored application channel where one application can be used to apply for multiple positions that match your interests. Barona’s recruiters review carefully each application and assess your potential and suitability for various industries […]
Decline in number of earnings-related allowance recipients tapering off
The number of earnings-related allowance recipients at A-kassa has been on a clear downward trajectory in early 2025. From January to March, the number of recipients stood significantly below corresponding 2024 figures. A total of 32,876 members received earnings-related allowance in January, 30,983 in February and 30,668 in March. The number of recipients has remained […]
Choose the eService chat – the quickest way to get a response
You can find a quick answer to many questions on A-kassa’s website or at the eService. This article is a compilation of frequently asked questions and tips that guarantee a smooth service experience. Processing time updates We update the processing status of applications on our website every weekday. You can check the up-to-date processing […]
Our new webinar series helps with your job search and professional development!
We have designed a series of webinars focused on helping you with the most important stages of your job search. The webinars provide valuable information on job search, career advancement and unemployment security across various industries. You also get practical tips and expert opinions which help you find a job and support your professional development. […]
Unemployment taking a downward turn – number of recipients of earnings-related allowance decreased at the turn of the year
The number of A-kassa’s earnings-related allowance recipients decreased in December-January, indicating a gradually improving employment situation. During this period, 36,925 members received earnings-related allowance from A-kassa, down 5.4% from a year ago. While the recipient numbers were still going up in November, they took a downward turn in December. In January, the share of […]
Right to earnings-related allowance during a strike
If you are on strike During a strike, you may apply for possible strike pay from your trade union. In some cases, the unemployment fund may also pay unemployment benefits during a strike. For more information, please see the below links. Industrial Union | The Finnish Construction Trade Union | The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union […]
Review your tax card – ensure your benefits are taxed correctly!
Starting January 2025, withholding rate for benefits is determined automatically based on the tax card that comes into force on January 1, 2025. The income ceiling specified in the tax card is calculated for the full year, and the ceiling is valid from the beginning of the year. The unemployment fund generally receives new […]