Työttömyyskassa

Työttömyyskassa is the Finnish term for an unemployment fund. It is a member-based, non-profit association that administers the earnings-related unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha) to jobseekers who are members of the fund and who have earned sufficient insured income. In Finland, unemployment benefits are organized through a two-track system: earnings-related allowances paid by unemployment funds and basic allowances paid by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution. Most Finnish workers belong to the fund corresponding to their occupation or trade union.

Membership and financing: Individuals join a Työttömyyskassa to obtain the earnings-related allowance. Membership is typically open to employed or recently employed persons in covered sectors. Members pay regular fees; the funds are financed by member contributions and state subsidies. They operate within Finnish law and are independent associations, not government agencies.

Eligibility and benefits: To receive earnings-related allowance, a person must have been a member of a Työttömyyskassa for a minimum period and have worked a sufficient amount of insured work in the qualifying period (the usual rule is 26 weeks of insured employment within the last 28 months). The allowance amount and duration depend on prior earnings and the fund’s rules. The fund also provides career guidance, job-search support, and other services to members.

Application: When unemployed, the jobseeker registers with the public employment services and applies for the earnings-related allowance through their Työttömyyskassa. If not eligible for earnings-related allowance, the basic unemployment allowance may be available via Kela.