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 applicable to an increasing number of members. In addition, the extension of the employment condition from 6 months to 12 months affects how quickly entitlement to a new period of earnings-related allowance can be fulfilled.
When looking at the figures on a monthly basis, in 2023 the maximum period was reached by an average of 237 members per month. In 2024, the corresponding average was 296 members, and in 2025 already 434 members per month. In January 2026, 509 members reached the maximum period, indicating that the upward trend is continuing.
An increasing number are affected by the staggered allowance
The staggering of earnings-related allowance entered into force in September 2024, and its effects began to be visible to A-kassa members during the following year. Staggering means that the amount of the allowance decreases in two stages as unemployment continues.
In 2025:
- 18% of all recipients received earnings-related allowance staggered by 20%
- 3% of all recipients received earnings-related allowance staggered by 25%
In January 2026, 32% of earnings-related allowance recipients were already affected by the staggering:
- 26% of all recipients received earnings-related allowance staggered by 20%
- 6% of all recipients received earnings-related allowance staggered by 25%
The share of those reaching the maximum period has nearly doubled
The share of those who have reached the maximum period among all earnings-related allowance recipients has increased significantly. In 2025, a total of 5,203 members reached the maximum period. The corresponding figure was 3,546 in 2024 and 2,840 in 2023. The increase has been substantial over the past two years.
At the same time, the total number of earnings-related allowance recipients has decreased from the high levels seen in 2024, but the share of long-term unemployment has increased.
What does the maximum period mean?
Earnings-related allowance can be paid for a maximum of 300, 400 or 500 days. This is referred to as the maximum period or maximum payment period. The maximum payment period depends on the length of the employment history and the age of the applicant. When the payment period has been exhausted, entitlement to earnings-related allowance and its payment end. If unemployment continues, benefits can be applied for from Kela.
Prolonged unemployment requires solutions
One of the objectives of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government in introducing the staggering of earnings-related allowance has been to encourage faster employment and to shorten unemployment periods. However, A-kassa’s statistics show that for many members, unemployment has continued for a long time.
A-kassa closely monitors developments. Prolonged unemployment increases financial uncertainty and highlights the need for effective employment services and improved labour market matching.
A-kassa’s core task is to pay its members the benefits that fall within the scope of the unemployment fund. Alongside this, we provide job search support to all our members. Particularly in situations of prolonged unemployment, A-kassa’s EmploymentWizard offers concrete support for job seeking.
Read more about Staggering of earnings-related allowance
Read more about maximum payment period
Lue lisää enimmämismaksuajasta
Read more about A-kassa-s job search support