Unemployment security

Becoming a member of Akava Special Branches entitles you to join the Unemployment Fund for the Specially Trained (ERKO).

As a member of the unemployment fund, you are entitled to receive an earnings-related unemployment allowance, job alternation leave compensation and other fund benefits. The fund membership fee is included in the union membership fee.

Remember that you also pay union membership fees on benefits paid by the Unemployment Fund for the Specially Trained (ERKO) (incl. earnings-related unemployment allowance, job alternation compensation and financial support for labour market training).
> Notify changes to your membership information

> Authorisation for the Unemployment Fund for the Specially Trained (pdf)

When can I receive unemployment allowance?

You are eligible for an allowance when you have been a member for at least 10 months and have been employed for a minimum of 43 weeks during your period of membership or if you received an allowance in 1997 or thereafter, the criteria for the length of employment is 34 weeks. The required length of employment accumulates for employment where the number of hours worked is at least 18 hours/week, and 8 hours/week if in a teaching position.

Review period

The 24 or 28-month review period may be extended to a maximum of seven years for an acceptable reason.
> Read more about the review period (www.tyj.fi)

> If you become unemployed

> Unemployment funds benefits 2012 (pdf)

Unemployment Fund for the Specially Trained Erko
Postal address: Asemamiehenkatu 2, 00520 Helsinki
Visiting address: Kellosilta 5 B, 6th floor, Itä-Pasila

The office is open Mondays to Fridays between 9 am and 3 pm

Tel. (09) 7206 4343
Phone-in times Monday to Thursday between 12 noon and 3 pm

Fax: (09) 272 1212
erityiskoulutettujen.tk(a)erko.fi
www.erko.fi

Please note that in line with certain terms and conditions, you may also be entitled to a re-employment programme drawn up at your request by the employment office and to the re-employment programme supplement paid by the fund. The fund can provide you with information about all the unemployment benefits paid by the fund.