Työttömyyskassan

Työttömyyskassa, often translated as "unemployment fund," is a central part of Finland's unemployment benefit system. These funds are private, non-profit organizations that administer earnings-related unemployment benefits to their members. Membership in a työttömyyskassa is voluntary, but it is typically tied to employment in a specific sector or profession, as each fund serves a particular group of employees. To be eligible for benefits from a työttömyyskassa, an individual must have been a member for a certain period and met the work history requirements.

The primary role of a työttömyyskassa is to collect membership fees and, with government support, pay out daily allowances to individuals who have become unemployed and are actively seeking work. The amount of the daily allowance is generally a percentage of the member's previous earnings, making it an earnings-related benefit. These funds also provide information and guidance to their members regarding unemployment benefits and job seeking. The Finnish social security institution, Kela, plays a supervisory role and also pays basic unemployment benefits, which are not earnings-related. The työttömyyskassat are financed through member contributions, employer contributions, and state subsidies, ensuring a crucial safety net for the Finnish workforce.