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General social security benefit for unemployment
General social security benefit is Kela's benefit for unemployed people who do not get earnings-related allowance from an unemployment fund. In May 2026 it replaced the basic unemployment allowance and labour market subsidy.
Tukihaku asks only what is needed and fills in the Kela form for you. Application help costs 1.99 €, and the first calculation is free.
Fill in the application Find out which benefits you can getWho can get general social security benefit?
- An unemployed, laid-off or part-time working person aged 18–64 who has registered as a jobseeker with the employment services. A 17-year-old can get the benefit if they have a vocational qualification.
- Also an entrepreneur whose business has ended, and a person taking part in an employment-promoting service.
- Without a vocational or higher education qualification there is a 21-week waiting period.
How much is general social security benefit in 2026 and 2027?
General social security benefit is 37.21 € a day in 2026, about 800 € a month. It is paid for 5 days a week. There are no child increases. Wages from part-time work are adjusted against the benefit: each euro of wages reduces the benefit by 50 cents. Capital income, such as rental and dividend income, has no effect up to 311 € a month, and half of the amount above that reduces the benefit. If you live with your parents, their income can reduce the benefit. The amount stays the same in 2027.
Estimate your benefit with the calculator
How do you apply for general social security benefit?
- First register as a jobseeker at tyomarkkinatori.fi.
- Apply in OmaKela or with form YE 1. Report every day of unemployment in the application, including weekends.
- After that, the unemployment period is reported in OmaKela every 4 weeks.
When should you apply?
You can apply once you have been unemployed for a week. The benefit can be paid retroactively for up to 3 months. In OmaKela, general social security benefit and housing allowance can be applied for with one application.
What attachments are needed?
- Form YE 1c about your parents' income if you live with your parents
- Form Y 77 if you have moved to Finland and have not applied for Kela benefits before
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between general social security benefit and earnings-related allowance?
Earnings-related allowance is paid by an unemployment fund and is based on your previous wages. General social security benefit is a fixed Kela benefit for those who do not get earnings-related allowance or whose maximum period has run out.
What is the 21-week waiting period?
If you have no vocational or higher education qualification, the benefit is paid only after a 21-week waiting period. Paid work and self-employment shorten it, and there is none after earnings-related allowance.
Can I get the benefit while working part-time?
Yes. Wages are adjusted against the benefit so that each euro of wages reduces it by 50 cents. For example, a monthly wage of 1,000 € reduces the benefit by 500 €.
Tukihaku asks only what is needed and fills in the Kela form for you. Application help costs 1.99 €, and the first calculation is free.
Fill in the application Find out which benefits you can getSee also
- I moved to Finland – which Kela benefits can I get?You can usually get Kela benefits from the day you move, if you live in Finland permanently or work here.
- General housing allowanceGeneral housing allowance is Kela's support for rent or other housing costs when the household's income is low.
- Basic social assistanceSocial assistance is the last-resort benefit when income and assets are not enough for essential expenses such as food, rent and medicines.
- Sickness allowance and partial sickness allowanceSickness allowance compensates for loss of earnings when you are unable to work because of illness for more than 10 days.
This page is also available in Finnish. Suomeksi.
Official information: kela.fi.