Unemployment benefit
To receive unemployment benefit the worker must register as an unemployed jobseeker at a local employment office. All services in employment office are free of charge. These benefits also require the jobseeker to be permanently based (domiciled) in Finland.
Members of unemployment benefit funds normally receive earnings-related unemployment benefit (usually some 60 - 70 per cent of their average earnings) if they have been members of the fund and working for a total of at least ten months (43 weeks) over a period of 28 months. Other jobseekers may receive a basic unemployment allowance or labour market subsidy from the Social Insurance Institution. The labour market subsidy is a means-tested benefit that may be withheld if the jobseeker's family has sufficient means of support.
Membership of an unemployment benefit fund is worthwhile, because members receive earnings-related benefit for 500 days, after which they are covered by the labour market subsidy system. Renewed access to earnings-related unemployment benefit then requires a further 8-months (34 weeks) of employment and benefit fund membership within a period of two years. Most unemployment benefit funds are administered by trade unions.
Persons working unofficially are naturally not eligible for unemployment benefit. Jobseekers must show that they are available for work and are actively seeking employment.
If you are at risk of becoming unemployed, then it is worthwhile taking steps to clarify your responsibilities and your eligibility for benefits.
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