Qualification period

What is the qualification period?

Simply put, the qualification period is the time frame within which one must meet the income requirement. It begins the month before registering with Arbetsförmedlingen and applying for a-kassa, and extends 12 months backward in time.

• If there are months during which one could not work due to, for example, illness or parental leave (vabb), the qualification period is extended by the same number of months. Months with an income of 11,000 SEK or more generally do not qualify for an extension.

• When a new application for compensation is submitted, the unemployment fund starts by determining the qualification period. Months during which the applicant could not work—such as due to parental leave or full-time studies—are excluded. The qualification period is then extended by the same number of excluded months, up to a maximum of 60 months (5 years).

• Once the qualification period is established, the unemployment fund can assess whether the income requirement is met and determine the monthly income and compensation-based income.

What can extend the qualification period?

The qualification period can be extended if you have been unable to work for most of a given month due to:

• Illness

• Caring for your own child under the age of two, or an adopted child up to two years after joining the family

• Receiving pregnancy benefit or parental allowance

• Completing military service

If it benefits the unemployed individual, months may also be excluded if they have:

• Participated in full-time education that has been completed

• Been self-employed, provided the business ceased within 60 months of starting it