Työttömyysaika

Työttömyysaika is a Finnish term that refers to the period during which a person is unemployed and seeking work, as defined by the Finnish labour market authorities. It is measured from the moment a person becomes unemployed and registers as a job seeker with the TE-toimisto (the employment and economic development office) until the end of that unemployment status, typically when the person gains employment or ceases to be registered as unemployed.

Counting rules vary with circumstances. Time spent in a job that does not end the unemployment status, study periods, illness, or caregiving may be treated differently under national rules, and decisions about how specific periods affect työttömyysaika are made by the TE-toimisto or by social security authorities in accordance with legislation.

Työttömyysaika is used to determine entitlement to unemployment benefits, including the amount and duration of payments for those eligible for earnings-related unemployment allowance (ansiopäiväraha) or basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha). It also features in national labour market statistics and policy planning by authorities.

In practice, the concept helps describe and analyze how long people stay out of work and how that affects social security support and labour market measures. Individuals seeking benefits or information should consult their local TE-toimisto or Kela for precise rules applicable to their situation.