Anne, 42, works in the industrial sector and has been a member of an unemployment fund for 20 years. Her story shows how important the security provided by fund membership can be in unexpected turns in working life.
A decision made at a young age can carry far
Anne joined an unemployment fund at the beginning of her career.
– I joined when I was young, and at the time I thought it was mandatory. Today I know it isn’t, but membership provides security in times of change in working life. I definitely recommend it to my own children as well, Anne says.
Although Anne has worked for the same employer throughout her career, the importance of the unemployment fund has been particularly evident during layoff situations.
Layoffs have been a part of everyday life
Anne has not experienced full unemployment, but over the years she has had various types of layoffs: alternating week layoffs, shortened working weeks, and layoffs due to temporary interruptions to work.
– The years I’ve worked without any layoffs can be counted on the fingers of one hand, she says.
As someone with a family and financial obligations, economic uncertainty has been the main concern.
Finances are always a worry in situations like these.
Fast support brings security
Anne especially appreciates A-kassa’s fast processing.
– For follow-up applications, the decision and payment usually come within two days of applying. There are about a hundred of us at the workplace in the same situation, and everyone has similar experiences. Only rarely does the processing take longer.
Although the allowance is not large, its importance has been crucial.
I don’t know how we would have managed without it. The labor market is currently in such a poor state that even finding additional work is not easy.
Security for unexpected situations
Anne emphasizes that changes in working life can occur completely unexpectedly.
– Layoffs and redundancies often come “out of the blue”. You can’t fix your finances in just a couple of weeks, but membership in the fund gives you time to think about solutions.
She describes membership well:
– It is like unnoticed saving for a rainy day.
A message to young people: prepare in advance
Anne wants to remind especially those at the beginning of their careers of the importance of being prepared.
– Even if it may feel unnecessary and boring, joining is not a big effort. My own job was permanent and there was plenty of work at first, but in less than two years the situation changed completely: layoffs and redundancies began. You can never know what the future holds.
Ease in everyday life and support for the future
Anne finds the application process easy, especially in situations involving partial layoffs.
In addition, she is interested in the EmploymentWizard offered by A-kassa.
– It seems like very good additional support for the unemployed. I plan to take a closer look at it in the near future.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your story!
Good to know:
- Earnings-related allowance can be paid to a member of an unemployment fund who meets the membership and employment conditions.
- You must join the fund in time and while employed – you cannot join when unemployed.
- The amount of the earnings-related allowance depends on your salary before unemployment.
- Without a membership in an unemployment fund, benefits are applied for from Kela.
- The fund also pays mobility allowance and Restructuring protection allowance
- Membership includes employment services that help you find a new job and plan your career.
Read more:
Learn more about A-kassa membership
Use the allowance calculator to see how much benefit you could receive