Kela’s general social security benefit: key things to know
Kela will begin paying the general social security benefit on 1 May 2026. It will replace the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance. The earnings-related unemployment allowance paid by unemployment funds will not change when the general social security benefit comes into force.
What is the general social security benefit?
Kela will start paying the general social security benefit to unemployed individuals from 1 May 2026. At the same time, the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance will be discontinued.
The amount of the general social security benefit corresponds to the current level of the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance. The general social security benefit is a means-tested benefit, which means that different types of income affect the amount paid.
Who is the general social security benefit paid to?
The general social security benefit is paid to unemployed jobseekers who are not entitled to earnings-related unemployment allowance. You may be eligible for the general social security benefit, for example, if you are not a member of an unemployment fund or if you have reached the maximum duration of your earnings-related unemployment allowance (300/400/500 days).
The amount of the general social security benefit is the same as the basic unemployment allowance and the labour market subsidy. In 2026, the general social security benefit is €37.21 per day, which is approximately €800 per month.
What does means-testing of the general social security benefit mean?
Means-testing of the general social security benefit means that a person’s income may affect the amount of the benefit paid for the part that exceeds the income threshold. There is no means-testing in the earnings-related unemployment allowance.
In the means-testing of the general social security benefit, income other than wage income is taken into account. Such income includes, for example:
- capital income, such as rental income, dividend income and interest income
- other income than wages, such as informal care support, fees paid to family carers, partial early old-age pension, and copyright royalties
The income threshold for means-testing is €311 per month (gross). If a person has means-tested income exceeding €311 per month, 50% of the amount exceeding the threshold is deducted from the general social security benefit.
Please note that there is no income threshold for wage income or income from business activities under the general social security benefit. Income from part-time work, occasional work and secondary self-employment affects the general social security benefit in the same way as the earnings-related unemployment allowance, meaning that half of the adjusted income reduces the amount of the benefit.
What if I move from earnings-related daily allowance to the general social security benefit?
If you reach the maximum duration of the earnings-related unemployment allowance (300/400/500 days), you can switch to applying for the general social security benefit from Kela. In this case, you will continue to work with the employment authority in the usual way.
The general social security benefit is normally paid only after a seven-day waiting period. However, if you move directly from the earnings-related unemployment allowance to the general social security benefit, no waiting period is applied.
You can become eligible for the earnings-related unemployment allowance again once you meet the employment condition anew.
What if I move from the general social security benefit to earnings-related daily allowance?
If you move from the general social security benefit to the earnings-related unemployment allowance, the earnings-related allowance can be paid only after a seven-day waiting period. Any waiting period accumulated while receiving the general social security benefit is not credited toward the waiting period for the earnings-related unemployment allowance.
Days paid as the general social security benefit are not counted toward the maximum duration of the earnings-related unemployment allowance (300/400/500 days). Instead, the maximum period starts from the beginning when you move to the earnings-related unemployment allowance.
More information about the general social security benefit
The general social security benefit is a benefit paid by Kela and does not affect the earnings-related unemployment allowance paid by unemployment funds. You can find more information about the general social security benefit on Kela’s website via the links below or by contacting Kela.