Changes to suspension periods enter into force on 1.3.2026

To receive earnings-related daily unemployment allowance, you must meet both the membership and employment conditions

The amendment to the law on non-subsidy eligible unemployment benefit terms, or suspension periods, is entering into force on 1.3.2026. The amendment was originally due to enter into force at the start of the year, but the date changed during parliamentary proceedings.

The changes apply to situations where a suspension period is imposed as a result of non-compliance in the context of job-seeking and employment services. The suspension periods pertaining to resignations are not changing.

Sanctions for non-compliance as of 1.3.2026

1st non-compliance in a 12-month period: 7-day suspension period. There is no eligibility for unemployment benefits during the suspension period.

2nd non-compliance in a 12-month period: Employment condition. Entitlement to unemployment benefit is restored after six weeks of work.

Non-compliance in the context of job-seeking and employment services may mean e.g. the following:

• Failure to attend an agreed initial interview or job search interview with the employment authority
• Refusal to have an employment plan drawn up
• Failure to follow an employment plan (e.g. refusing an employment promoting service, not applying for a sufficient number of jobs, or not applying for a job that has been picked out for you)

The right to unemployment benefits can be lost more quickly than before

In the future, the right to unemployment benefits can be lost more quickly in case there are several instances of non-compliance within a short period of time.

With the change in law, the first non-compliance will already result in a seven-day suspension period. The second instance of non-compliance within a one-year period results in an employment condition. In this case, the right to receive unemployment benefits is restored only when the employment condition has been fulfilled after at least six weeks of employment.

Under the current four-tier system, the first instance of non-compliance has not yet resulted in a suspension period, and only a notice has been issued. The right to unemployment benefits has been lost only after the fourth instance of non-compliance.

Follow the instructions of the employment authority

The suspension period and the employment condition are set by the employment authority, and the decision is binding on the unemployment fund. Earnings-related unemployment allowances cannot be paid for the suspension period or until the employment condition has been fulfilled again.

Always follow the instructions of the employment authority and your personal employment plan to ensure that your right to receive earnings-related unemployment allowance remains.

Further information: KOKO website

Text and photo by KOKO. Published on ASIA member magazine 1/2026

Get to know - useful links

Employment law sercvices for ASIA members 
Job search and career coaching

Job Market Finland for personal customers