Unemployment benefits in Åland

Unemployment benefit is a form of taxable income that helps to support a person whilst they are looking for work. In the event of unemployment, layoff or reduced working hours, you can apply for general social security benefit from the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (AMS) or for earnings-related unemployment allowance from your unemployment fund.

General social security benefit replaces the previous benefits basic unemployment allowance and labour market subsidy. You can find more information on unemployment benefits on the AMS website.

If you have become unemployed, been laid off or had your working hours reduced, and are a member of an unemployment fund, you can apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance. As a rule, your unemployment fund membership must be in the country where the work is carried out or whose legislation applies.

The amount of the unemployment allowance is based on previous earnings, and the payment period depends on the length of the person’s employment history and their age. To get earnings-related unemployment allowance, certain conditions must be met. For example, it requires that the person meets both the work requirement and the 12-month membership condition.  

Find out more about what the work requirement and the employment condition entail, how to apply and the daily allowance amount on the TYJ website. Information on unemployment funds can be found on the Info Norden page Trade unions in Åland.

General social security benefit is paid to unemployed jobseekers who are not entitled to earnings-related unemployment allowance, or who have received earnings-related unemployment allowance for the maximum period and are in need of financial support.

Unlike earnings-related unemployment allowance, general social security benefit is means-tested, which means that capital income and other income may affect the amount paid out. More information on general social security benefit, the amount, means-testing and partial general social security benefit can be found on the AMS page on general social security benefit.

When applying for unemployment benefit, or if you are already receiving it, there are certain general rules and obligations that must be followed. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the loss of entitlement to unemployment benefit for a specified period or indefinitely. Read more on the TYJ and AMS websites.

To be eligible for unemployment benefit in Åland, the applicant must meet at least the following conditions:

• Be aged between 17 and 64
• Live in Åland
• Be registered as a jobseeker with AMS
• Be looking for full-time work 
• Be able to work and available for employment

You apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance from your own unemployment fund; you can find further instructions on the TYJ website under How to apply. Applications for general social security benefit are made to AMS via their e-services or using the application form. Applications can be made after two weeks of unemployment.

As a rule, people are covered by social security in the country where they work. In the absence of employment, the legislation of the country of residence usually applies. In a new life situation, such as moving house or working in another country, it is a good idea to check which country’s social security legislation applies.

The Info Norden page Which country's social security system are you covered by? contains information on how social security and unemployment insurance apply in different situations, such as when you live in one country and work in another, work in several countries, or work as a freelancer.

The Info Norden website contains information on unemployment benefits in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the authorities that can answer your questions.