Government wants to speed up processing of unemployment benefit applications

The Government has issued a proposal to make it easier to process unemployment benefit applications and implementation as the number of applications is growing sharply.

The coronavirus epidemic has caused an exceptionally high number of applications for unemployment benefits to unemployment funds and the Social Insurance Institution Kela. The Government proposes that changes be made to facilitate implementation and to speed up the processing of applications as the number of applications is now growing sharply.

The conditions under which an unemployment benefit could be paid without a decision would be amended so that such an advance benefit could be paid for a maximum period of six months. As at present, it would still be necessary to apply for unemployment benefit separately for each unemployment period. 

The other amendments would concern certain situations in which unemployment benefits are mediated as well as specific conditions for labour market support.

The Government proposes to lay down an act on temporary derogations from the Unemployment Allowances Act due to the coronavirus epidemic. 

The act should enter into force as soon as possible and it would remain in force until 31 October 2020. However, the exceptions to the specific conditions for labour market support would apply to application periods beginning on or before 31 August 2020. 

Inquiries:

Marjaana Maisonlahti, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 163,288
Juho Orjala, Special Adviser to Minister Pekonen, tel. +358 295 163 424