The general social security benefit will replace the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance from 1 May 2026

The general social security benefit is an unemployment benefit paid by Kela to an unemployed jobseeker if they are not entitled to earnings-related unemployment allowance or if their earnings-related allowance period has ended.

From 1 May 2026, the general social security benefit will replace the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance. The change is based on an amendment to unemployment security legislation, which merges these benefits into a single benefit paid by Kela.

To qualify for the general social security benefit, the jobseeker must have an active job search status registered with the Employment Services. The employment authority or the KEHA Centre issues Kela with a statement confirming whether the jobseeker meets the labour market policy requirements set for the general social security benefit. The procedure is the same as for the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance.

If a person is receiving the labour market subsidy or the basic unemployment allowance when the change enters into force, they do not need to apply separately for the general social security benefit. Kela will automatically transfer clients to the general social security benefit from 1 May 2026. However, jobseekers must keep their job search active with the Employment Services.

Further information on the general social security benefit:

•  General social security benefit during unemployment (kela.fi)