When Arbetsförmedlingen refers you to Alfa‑kassan – what do you need to know?
When you register with Arbetsförmedlingen, it is common to be told that you should apply for compensation from Alfa‑kassan if you are not a member of an unemployment insurance fund. It is true that Alfa‑kassan can pay out compensation. But what Arbetsförmedlingen sometimes forgets to mention is that there are 23 other unemployment insurance funds in Sweden, and that most of them are specialized in different professions, industries, or levels of education.
Why it is important to join an unemployment insurance fund right away
Waiting to join an unemployment insurance fund can become expensive. Membership is counted only from the day you join – not retroactively. That is why it is important to become a member as early as possible.
You start accumulating membership months immediately To receive the best possible benefits, 12 months of membership are required. Every month counts.
You avoid being left without compensation if something happens suddenly A temporary contract ending, a probationary period not being extended, or a cancelled assignment can happen unexpectedly.
You receive higher compensation if you become unemployed Without membership, you only receive the basic benefit, which is significantly lower.
Security costs less than you might think Most unemployment insurance funds have a low fee, and the security you get in return is substantial.
How to know if you are a member of an unemployment insurance fund
It is common for people not to know whether they are members of an unemployment insurance fund – or which one. Here are three simple ways to find out:
1. Log in with BankID at the unemployment insurance fund you think you belong to
If you cannot log in, you are probably not a member. You can also start filling out a membership application. Then you will be informed whether you are a member of that fund or another one.
2. Check your bank statement
The membership fee is deducted every month. If you do not see any payment, you are probably not a member.
3. Contact the unemployment insurance fund directly
The funds can quickly check whether you are in their membership register.
The unemployment insurance fund – insurance in case you lose your job
The unemployment insurance 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 insurance fund, and how long you have been a member affects how much you can receive.
The unemployment insurance 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 insurance fund is financial protection when your income suddenly stops coming in.
Who can become a member of an unemployment insurance fund?
To join an unemployment insurance 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 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 insurance 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 insurance funds, but you receive a membership tailored to academics and students.
Insured through Akademikernas a‑kassa
It costs 140 sek 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 insurance funds, with a top rating in the latest survey.
Our opening hours are every weekday from 8:30 to 16:30 — the longest in the sector.
Akademikernas a‑kassa’s goal is for payments to be made within two weeks.
If you also join one of our trade unions, income insurance is included in most of their membership fees.
List of all unemployment insurance funds in Sweden
We believe that everyone who works should be a member of an unemployment insurance fund. If you cannot join ours, there are 23 others to choose from. Here we list all unemployment insurance funds in Sweden.
A-kassan Vision
Akademikernas a-kassa
Alfa-kassan
Byggnads a-kassa
Elektrikernas a-kassa
Fastighets a-kassa
Finans- och försäkringsbranschens a-kassa
GS a-kassa
Handelsanställdas a-kassa
Hotell- och restauranganställdas a-kassa
IF Metalls a-kassa
Journalisternas a-kassa
Kommunals a-kassa
Ledarnas a-kassa
Livsmedelsarbetarnas a-kassa
Lärarnas a-kassa
Pappers a-kassa
Sekos a-kassa
Småföretagarnas a-kassa
STs a-kassa
Sveriges arbetares a-kassa
Transports a-kassa
Unionens a-kassa