Peruspäivärahaa

Peruspäivärahaa, or basic daily allowance, is a Finnish unemployment benefit component intended to provide a basic level of income to job seekers who do not have enough work history to qualify for the earnings-related daily allowance (ansiopäiväraha) or who are otherwise ineligible for that benefit. It is designed to support individuals while they search for work and participate in job-seeking activities.

Eligibility generally requires that the person resides in Finland and is registered as a job seeker with the TE Office, and that they have sufficient right to unemployment benefits but not enough work history for an ansiopäiväraha. The applicant must be capable and available for work and actively seeking employment. The basic daily allowance is typically administered by Kela in cooperation with the TE Office, based on information about the claimant’s situation.

The amount of peruspäiväraha is a fixed daily rate set by law and adjusted periodically. It is paid for each day the person is eligible for unemployment benefits, and the total duration depends on the standard rules governing unemployment security. If a person later accrues enough work history to qualify for an earnings-related allowance, the benefit may transition accordingly.

Application for peruspäivärahaa is handled through Kela as part of the unemployment benefits process, with information supplied by the TE Office. Documentation may cover residence, work history, and current availability for work. Peruspäivärahaa is one element of Finland’s unemployment security system and is distinct from the earnings-related daily allowance; current rates and detailed eligibility are published by Kela and the TE Office.