Turvaa työttömyysaikana
Unemployment benefits are for citizens who are
- between 18 and 64 years of age
- unemployed and registered at an Employment Agency
- looking for full-time employment
- able to work and available to enter the labour market
- unable to find work or education
If you become unemployed, register at the Employment Agency on your first day of unemployment at the latest. You should also register immediately when you graduate or complete a period of subsidised employment. Bring along all your references from previous employers and all your qualifications. If you do not have a certain certificate that is required, you can disclose it later. Also, remember to take along a passport that includes your residence permit. Officials at the Employment Agency will be able to give you further advice. The advisers will discuss your situation with you and tell you what kind of unemployment benefit you are entitled to. The adviser will also check all your qualifications and other documents and give you instructions on what to do next.
After you have visited the Employment Agency, send an application for unemployment allowance to a Kela office. If you are a member of an unemployment fund, send an application to the fund as well. Include all necessary documents.
If you take up studying or a job or if want to travel while you are unemployed, inform your Employment Agency. They will be able to give you information on how this will affect your unemployment benefit. You are entitled to six days of holiday per 12 months of unemployment. If you take more than six days of holiday, you will not receive support for the days exceeding your holiday allowance. You must notify your Employment Agency in advance of any holiday you are intending to take.
More detailed information on unemployment benefit is available at www.mol.fi. See also the Kela website for information in English.