How to apply for unemployment security

Register as a job seeker and start your job search on your first day of unemployment so that you can receive unemployment security right from the beginning of your unemployment.

After registering you will receive a labour policy statement stating whether you are eligible for unemployment security. If you are applying for unemployment security, you may receive a request for additional information before the statement is issued. 

You may receive an increase in your unemployment security if you participate in services promoting employment. You must agree on participation in the service with your expert either in the employment plan or an equivalent plan.

Unemployment security is paid by either the unemployment fund or Kela

When applying for unemployment security, first find out whether your unemployment benefit is paid by the unemployment fund or Kela. Various forms of unemployment benefits include earnings-related allowance, basic unemployment allowance, and labour market subsidy.

• If you are a member of an unemployment fund through your trade union, for example, apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance from your fund.
• If you are not a member of an unemployment fund, apply for basic unemployment allowance or labour market subsidy from Kela. 

You should apply for unemployment security from an unemployment fund or Kela, even if the processing of an additional clarification request is in progress at the TE Office. This way you avoid an extra delay in receiving an unemployment benefit when it is determined that you are entitled to unemployment security. You can find out on the unemployment fund's or Kela's website how long after the start of your unemployment you can submit an application for unemployment security.

If you have any questions about unemployment security, the experts at the unemployment security helpline will assist you.

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