Insured in Sweden
If you live or work in Sweden, you are generally covered by the Swedish social insurance system and may be entitled to various benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). In the case of unemployment, however, it is the unemployment fund that pays out compensation. To be able to receive compensation when you are without work, you therefore need to be a member of an unemployment fund. Akademikernas a-kassa is the largest and cheapest unemployment fund in Sweden.
How it works to be insured in Sweden
Being insured in Sweden means that you are covered by the rules that govern the social insurance system and the unemployment insurance system. Which benefits you can receive depends, among other things, on where you live, work, or study, and whether you have the right to work in the country. For many who move here or commute across borders, it can be difficult to know which country is responsible for the insurance – therefore there are special rules within the EU and EEA that determine where you should be insured.
For unemployment insurance, it is generally the country of employment that applies. This means that if you work in Sweden, you should also be a member of a Swedish unemployment fund in order to receive compensation if you become unemployed. If you have worked in other EU/EEA countries, you can in some cases bring your work periods from there when you apply for compensation in Sweden.
If you are unsure about what applies to your specific situation, you can always contact us – we help you sort out what applies and what information you need to provide.
In Sweden, unemployment insurance is not included in the social insurance system
In all countries, except Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, you are covered by unemployment insurance when you work and pay taxes. In Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, you need to become a member of an unemployment fund yourself in order to receive money if you lose your job.
Benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)
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Adoption allowance if you adopt a child who does not live in Sweden or is not a Swedish citizen
Activity compensation and sickness compensation in the form of guarantee compensation
Unemployment benefits are paid out by an unemployment fund. You must apply for membership in an unemployment fund yourself.
Personal assistance allowance
Child allowance and extended child allowance
Car support
Housing allowance
Housing supplement
Compensation under the Cross-Border Healthcare Regulation
Parental benefit at the lowest level and basic level
Disability allowance
Care allowance
Additional cost allowance
Rehabilitation, grants for work aids, special grants, and rehabilitation allowance in special cases
Sickness benefit in special cases and housing supplement
State dental care support
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Work injury compensation
Parental benefit at the sickness benefit level and basic level
Pregnancy benefit
Income‑related activity compensation and sickness compensation
Compensation for caring for a close relative
Rehabilitation, rehabilitation compensation, and grants for work aids
Sickness benefit
Compensation for care of a sick child (vab)
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On the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s website, you can find detailed rules and guidance for those who plan to move to Sweden, work here but live in another country, or study in Sweden. The information is also available for those who have applied for asylum or have been granted a residence permit.
The unemployment fund – insurance if you lose your job
The unemployment fund is an insurance that gives you money if you become unemployed. It exists so that you can have an income even when you do not have a job to go to. To be able to receive compensation, you must be a member of an unemployment fund, and how long you have been a member affects how much you can receive.
The unemployment fund replaces part of the salary you previously had. This allows you to pay your most important expenses while you look for a new job. Akademikernas a‑kassa helps you understand the rules and how to apply, but the basic idea is simple: the unemployment fund is financial protection when your income suddenly disappears.
Who can become a member of the unemployment fund?
To join an unemployment fund, you need to be working or have worked in Sweden. This is the basis for being able to insure your income if you become unemployed. You choose yourself which unemployment fund you want to belong to, but you can only be a member of one at a time. Akademikernas a‑kassa has the lowest fee of all unemployment funds.
Membership is the insurance
Akademikernas a‑kassa is open to those who study at a university or university college, or who work in an academic profession. You do not need to have completed a specific degree – it is enough that you study or work in a field that requires academic education.
As a member, you are covered by the same rules that apply to all unemployment funds, but you receive a membership tailored for academics and students.
Insured with Akademikernas a‑kassa
It costs 140 kronor to be a member of Akademikernas a‑kassa.
Akademikernas a‑kassa is non‑political and non‑profit.
The members of Akademikernas a‑kassa are satisfied. We are one of the leading unemployment funds, with a top rating in the latest survey.
Our opening hours are every weekday 8:30–16:30. The longest in the industry.
Akademikernas a‑kassa’s goal is that payments should be made within two weeks.
If you also join one of our trade unions, income insurance is included in most membership fees.