Three conditions for everyone
To qualify for income-based unemployment benefits, you must meet three conditions:
Basic condition – Registered with Arbetsförmedling and actively seeking and able to accept work in Sweden
Work condition – Have worked at least 6 months in the past year, with a minimum of 60 hours per calendar month. We first look at the most recent year. The period we assess can be extended if, for example, you’ve been on parental leave, completed full-time studies, or been ill.
Membership condition – Been a member of an a-kassa for 12 months.
If you haven’t been a member of the a-kassa for 12 months, you may still receive benefits based on your working time. The basic benefit is a maximum of 510 SEK per day.
Basic condition – Section 9
You can only receive benefits when registered with Arbetsförmedling – retroactive registration is not possible.
To be considered unemployed, you must:
Be registered as unemployed with Arbetsförmedling.
Actively seek work.
Be willing and able to work at least 17 hours per week.
Be prepared to accept any suitable job.
Be in Sweden. Some exceptions apply.
Work condition – Sections 12–18
According to the main rule, the work condition means you must have worked at least six months, with at least 60 hours per calendar month during the past twelve months. If you haven’t worked but have studied full-time, been ill, or stayed home with children, you may still meet the work condition if there is work further back in time.
If you haven’t worked enough but have completed total defense service or received parental benefits, you may count up to two such months as work months.
Alternative rule
60 hours per month for six months is the main rule. If you’ve worked a total of 420 hours, with at least 40 hours per month during six consecutive months, you may qualify for benefits under the alternative rule. If you don’t meet the main rule, we will always check whether you meet the alternative rule.
Membership condition – Sections 7–8
You must have been a member of an a-kassa for 12 months to meet the membership condition. If you’ve been a member for a shorter time (or not at all), you may receive basic benefits of up to 510 SEK per day.