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 unemployed jobseeker no later than on your first day of unemployment through the Job Market’s online service (tyomarkkinatori.fi/en/personal-customers).
- Log in with your online banking credentials or mobile ID.
- Remember to keep your job search active according to the instructions of the employment authority.
2. Fill in the earnings-related daily allowance application
Submit your application in A-kassa’s eService (www.a-kassa.fi → eService).
- The first application can be submitted after two calendar weeks of unemployment. Complete the application up to Sunday.
- Follow-up applications are made for periods of four weeks or one month.
- Always end your application on a Sunday if you are applying for four weeks.
3. Make sure you have the necessary attachments
Attachments to the application may include, for example:
- notice of termination or, in the case of a fixed-term employment, an employment contract or employment certificate
- if needed, a certificate of earnings or payslips
- details of any social benefits
- information on income from part-time work, occasional work, or business activities
- a revised tax card for a benefit (you can order one directly from MyTax).
Most salary details are received from the Incomes Register. If the information is incomplete, we will request additional details from you.
We receive the information from the tax card for wage income directly from the Tax Administration. If you use it when applying for the allowance, the withholding rate is always at least 25 percent. We therefore recommend applying for a revised tax card for a benefit so that the withholding is based on its details.
4. Follow the processing of your application
Applications are processed in the order they are received. You can track the status of your application in your eService and, if you wish, order a text message notification of the payment.
Also remember to inform us of any changes that may affect your right to the allowance (for example, new employment, benefits, or changes in your contact details).
Tip: You can register as unemployed already before your unemployment begins
This ensures that there will be no delays in the payment of the allowance.
Make sure you are not absent from the labour market!
Please note that if you have a break of more than 6 months from the labour market, you must re-accumulate the employment condition entirely after returning. Once your employment has ended, you must register as an unemployed jobseeker within six months, unless you are absent from the labour market for an acceptable reason. Such reasons may include full-time studies, illness, or family leave. Check your situation in time so you do not lose your right to the allowance due to absence.
Becoming unemployed can feel like a big change, but you are not alone. At A-kassa, we help you secure your livelihood and support your job search right from day one.
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