Temporary amendments extended to the end of the year
The coronavirus outbreak has forced the Government to introduce a number of temporary changes to the system of unemployment benefits. These emergency measures have now been extended until the end of the year.
Amendment | Scope of application |
|---|---|
Earnings-related daily allowances can be paid as of the first day of unemployment without a waiting period. | This applies to applicants whose waiting period would otherwise begin between 16 March and 31 December 2020. |
The minimum period of previous employment required to qualify for an earnings-related daily allowance has been temporarily reduced. | This applies to applicants who do not have 26 weeks of employment history but who have been members of an unemployment fund for 13 weeks of the period during which they have been working, who have worked at least one week of the period that counts towards the minimum length of employment required after 1 March 2020 and who receive their first earnings-related daily allowance payment no later than 31 December 2020. |
The maximum period of time for which an earnings-related daily allowance can be paid will not be affected by lay-off. | Applied to applicants whose lay-off has started on 16 March 2020 of thereafter. Maximum period shall not accumulate during the period from 16 March – 30 June 2020. |
The maximum payment period of earnings- related daily allowance will not accumulate. | Earnings-related daily allowance paid during the period from 1 July – 31 December 2020 shall not accumulate the maximum payment period of a daily allowance period. |
The earnings disregard threshold has been temporarily raised to EUR 500 per month. | This applies to application periods that begin between 1 June and 31 October 2020. |
The eligibility rules for mobility allowances have been temporarily relaxed. | This applies to applicants who sign a new employment contract between 12 June and 31 October 2020. |
Entrepreneurs may receive labour market support from Kela if the income from entrepreneurial activities has decreased due to the coronavirus. | This applies from 16 March until 31 December 2020. |
Reliefs in examination of labour policy obstacles. | This applies from 16 March until 31 December 2020. |
Progress requirements for independent studies financed by unemployment benefits can be waived if progress has been hindered by COVID-19. | This applies from 1 August until 31 December 2020. |
