At the beginning of May 2026, the current labour market support and basic unemployment allowance will be replaced by a new benefit, the general benefit. Legal adviser Briitta Kuokkanen explains in her blog what will change and what to keep in mind.
There will be a major reform of the unemployment security system when labour market support and the basic unemployment allowance are replaced by a new benefit, the general benefit. The general benefit will enter into force on 1 May 2026. The aim of the reform is to simplify the system, but at the same time it will also introduce changes to how income affects the benefit.
The general benefit is intended for people who are not entitled to the earnings-related unemployment allowance, or whose period of earnings-related allowance has ended. At a later stage, the intention is for it to replace other benefits as well.
All types of income may affect the benefit in the future
One of the most significant changes is that a wider range of income will be taken into account under the general benefit than before.
Labour market support has already been subject to means testing, but the same principle will now be extended to people who previously received the basic unemployment allowance. In practice, this means that, in the future, for example capital income and copyright royalties may reduce the amount of benefit paid.
However, it is important to note that the income of a spouse or a flatmate will not affect the general benefit. Assets or savings will also not reduce the amount of the benefit.
How is the general benefit calculated?
The amount of the general benefit is affected by two factors: other income and earned salary income.
1. Other income (means testing)
Means-tested income includes, for example:
- rental income
- dividends
- capital gains
- copyright royalties
- certain benefits, such as support for informal care
Only the portion of income exceeding EUR 311 per month is taken into account. Half of the amount exceeding this threshold is deducted from the benefit.
Example:
If you receive rental income of EUR 500 per month, the deduction is calculated as follows:
(500 EUR minus 311 EUR) divided by 2 equals 94.50 EUR
This amount is deducted from the general benefit.
2. Earned salary income (adjustment)
For earned salary income, the policy remains unchanged. Each euro of earned income reduces the benefit by 50 cents, and there is no separate income disregard in the adjustment.
Example:
If you earn wages of EUR 400 per month, the deduction is:
400 EUR ÷ 2 = 200 EUR
Basic amount of the benefit
The amount of the general benefit is EUR 37.21 per day, meaning that the level remains the same as the basic unemployment allowance and labour market support.
Remember this
Although the benefit is changing, job search must still be valid with the employment services in order to be entitled to the benefit.
See the Artist's Association of Finland's guidelines for unemployment benefits
General instructions for artists who become unemployed (link)
Are my artistic activities full-time or part-time work? (link)
Maintaining your professional skills during unemployment (link)