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 good news is that accepting different types of seasonal work, both in Finland and temporarily in another country, is often possible without jeopardising your entitlement to unemployment benefits. It can also support your employment prospects in the longer term. In this article, we outline the key issues you should be aware of before taking up a new opportunity.
Can I receive earnings-related unemployment allowance while doing seasonal work?
Earnings-related unemployment allowance is only paid if you are unemployed or laid off – it cannot be paid at the same time as full-time employment. If the seasonal work is part-time, you may be entitled to adjusted earnings-related unemployment allowance, where your earned income is taken into account. Remember to report all working days and income in your application. You must also keep your job search valid in the Job Market Finland service throughout the employment period.
If you are receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance and take up a full-time seasonal job, for example for the winter months in Lapland, the payment of the allowance will be suspended for the duration of the employment. Once the employment ends, you may apply for the allowance again. In this case, remember to reactivate your job search in the Job Market Finland service no later than your first day of unemployment.
What if I go to work in Sweden or Norway??
From an unemployment security perspective, working in the Nordic countries is generally relatively straightforward. Sweden and Denmark, like Finland, have an unemployment insurance fund system. Work performed in these countries can be taken into account in meeting the employment condition for earnings-related unemployment allowance, provided that you have been a member of the unemployment insurance fund in the country of employment during the period of work. Therefore, remember to join the unemployment insurance fund of the country where you work when you start your employment.
In Norway and Iceland, unemployment insurance is instead based on employment. In these countries, you do not need to join an unemployment insurance fund separately for the work to be taken into account in meeting the employment condition.
In practice, this means that work carried out in a Nordic country may count towards the employment condition in Finland if you return to Finland after the employment ends and register as an unemployed jobseeker. If you are unemployed, you must submit the U1 form to the fund and apply for unemployment allowance within three months.
If you are planning to work, for example, in the construction sector in Norway or in the care sector in Sweden, always check in advance whether you are covered by Finnish social security or that of the country of employment during your work period. A-kassa can provide guidance if needed.
Read more about working in the Nordic countries here
Mobility allowance helps cover the costs of long commutes
If the seasonal job or new workplace is located far from your home, you may be entitled to a mobility allowance.
A-kassa may pay a mobility allowance if:
- you have received earnings-related unemployment allowance immediately before starting to work
- the employment lasts for at least two months
- you apply for the allowance within three months of starting to work
- your one-way commute exceeds three hours in full-time employment or two hours in part-time employment
The mobility allowance is equivalent to the basic unemployment allowance and, like other benefits, constitutes taxable income. In full-time employment, the allowance is paid for five days per week during the allowance period. In part-time employment, where working hours do not exceed 80 per cent of full-time hours, the allowance is paid for the days worked. There is no waiting period, and the allowance is paid from the start of the employment. The allowance period is 30–60 days, depending on the duration of the employment.
More information: Mobility allowance covers commuting and relocation expenses when the commute to work is long
A new job can be the beginning of a new career
Even short-term employment is worth accepting. It provides not only income but also opportunities – networks, work experience and often increased self-confidence. If you are looking for change or considering a new direction, seasonal work or work abroad can be a good way to try something new.
Remember that A-kassa supports you at different stages of your working life – even when your career path temporarily takes you elsewhere.