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What to do?
Unemployment

To get the best help for your situation, first answer the questions on the guide's start page.

Checklist

What to remember when you are unemployed?

Apply for two study places

It's your job to complete a degree so you can get a job in the future. You cannot receive unemployment benefit if you do not apply for two study places in the spring for which you meet the selection criteria. 

Find information on education and training options and apply for study places in Studyinfo.fi.Opens in a new window.

Register as a jobseeker and apply for unemployment benefit

Register as a jobseeker in the Job Market Finland's “E-services” section at the latest on your first day of unemployment or lay-off. Also register as a jobseeker if you are working part-time or on-demand and intend to apply for unemployment benefit.

After you have registered as a jobseeker, the employment official assesses whether you can receive unemployment benefit. Unemployment benefit is paid by your unemployment fund or Kela.

Read more:

Actively search for jobs

In order to receive unemployment benefits, it is your duty to actively seek employment. You will receive support for job-seeking, especially at the beginning of unemployment and in the event of prolonged unemployment.

Read more: Apply for jobs

Report any changes

Notify the local employment services and your unemployment fund or Kela if you take parental leave or move.

You can receive an unemployment benefit even if you are working

You can work part-time and on-demand and receive unemployment benefit.

Half of the pay for part-time or gig work is deducted from unemployment  security. Income from part-time entrepreneurship also reduces your unemployment benefit in the same way.

Read more: You can receive an unemployment benefit even if you are working

Apply for sick leave if necessary

If you are unemployed, you should also apply for sick leave and sickness allowance from Kela if you fall ill.

Read more: If necessary, apply for sick leave and sickness allowance

Find out about your right to health and rehabilitation services

If you feel that your work ability has deteriorated due to the illness, contact your wellbeing services county's health services to find out about your health and rehabilitation needs.

Find out whether you are entitled to vocational rehabilitation by your earnings-related pension company or Kela. You may also be entitled to other rehabilitation services provided by Kela or your wellbeing services county.

Read more: Job-seekers’ right to health and rehabilitation services

Study languages

Discuss with the local employment services how you could study Finnish or Swedish.

Read more: Language studies as integration training

Study new skills or a new qualification

Talk to the expert at the  local employment services well in advance if you are considering starting studies. However, you can apply freely for labour market training offered by the employment services. 

Consider becoming an entrepreneur

You will receive support for finding employment

Contact the employment authority in your region and ask about various support services for jobseekers, such as job coaching, pay subsidies and work try-outs. You may also be eligible for a rehabilitative work experience or multidisciplinary joint service.

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