Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if you have registered as a job seeker and want to understand how job search is connected to unemployment security. It is also for you if you have received a message from Employment Services, Kela or an unemployment fund and are not sure who is responsible for what.
The guide is written for Deaf and sign-language immigrants. The goal is to clearly separate two things: Employment Services manage your job seeker status, and Kela or an unemployment fund processes benefit payment.
Why registration affects benefit
Unemployment security can usually be paid only for the time when your job search is valid. This is why registering as a job seeker is an important first step if you are unemployed, becoming unemployed or laid off.
If you register late, benefit usually cannot be paid retroactively for the time before your job search started. Always check the instructions you receive and act as early as possible.
Start with two things
Keep your job search valid with Employment Services and submit a separate benefit application to Kela or an unemployment fund.
Who is responsible for what?
The employment authority is responsible for your job seeker customer relationship. It follows the validity of your job search, tasks, employment plan, job search obligation and issues a labour policy statement when needed.
Kela or an unemployment fund is responsible for processing and paying the benefit. If you are a member of an unemployment fund and the conditions are met, you usually apply to the fund. If you are not a member or do not apply through a fund, you usually apply to Kela.
Job search and benefit
Step 1
You register as a job seeker
This is the next point in the route.
Step 2
You keep your job search valid
This is the next point in the route.
Step 3
You receive tasks or messages from Employment Services
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
Employment Services issues a statement if needed
This is the next point in the route.
Step 5
You apply to Kela or an unemployment fund
This is the next point in the route.
Step 6
Kela or the fund processes the application
This is the next point in the route.
Step 7
You follow messages from both Employment Services and the payer
Check the amount and pay the fee according to the service guidance.
What is a labour policy statement?
A labour policy statement is the employment authority's assessment for unemployment security. It assesses job-search-related conditions, such as whether your job search is valid and whether you have followed agreed responsibilities.
The statement is not the same as Kela's or an unemployment fund's payment decision. Kela or the fund uses the statement when processing your benefit application.
How to apply for benefit
Unemployment benefit is applied for separately from Kela or an unemployment fund. Registering as a job seeker does not send the benefit application for you.
Check with the payer when to submit the application and what attachments are needed. If Employment Services is still processing a clarification, official guidance says you should still submit the benefit application to the payer to avoid unnecessary delay.
Kela or unemployment fund
If you are a member of an unemployment fund and the conditions are met, the payer may be the unemployment fund. If you are not a member of a fund or do not apply through one, you usually apply to Kela.
If you are not sure where to apply, check your unemployment fund membership and ask the possible payer for advice. Employment Services usually does not decide which payer handles the benefit.
Do not mix the roles
Employment Services gives a statement about job-search matters. Kela or an unemployment fund decides benefit payment under its own rules.
Which responsibilities matter?
As a job seeker, you need to follow Job Market Finland E-services, answer messages, attend agreed meetings, follow the employment plan and report changes. If your plan includes a job search obligation, tasks must be completed and reported in the agreed way.
Not following responsibilities may affect unemployment security. If you cannot attend a meeting or complete a task, contact Employment Services before the deadline.
What to do if you receive a letter or request
If you receive a letter, message or request for clarification, read it calmly and check the deadline. A message may come to Job Market Finland E-services, from Kela, from an unemployment fund, by post or by text message.
First check who sent it. If the message concerns job search, tasks or a statement, reply to Employment Services. If it concerns a benefit application, attachments or payment, reply to Kela or the unemployment fund.
If you need a sign language interpreter
If you need to communicate with Employment Services, Kela or an unemployment fund, arrange interpreting early. Kela interpreting services can usually be used for public-authority matters according to Kela's rules.
Ask for a written summary of important matters. It helps you check who asked for what, by which date and where the answer must be sent.
Related Guides
Next Step
When you understand the connection between job search and unemployment security, the next topic is services that can support job search and employment.