Can I get unemployment benefit if I lose my job in Sweden?
Yes — if you are a member of an unemployment fund (a-kassa) and meet the conditions. Membership is voluntary, and since 1 October 2025 the benefit is income-based: it is calculated on your previous income, which the fund pulls from the Tax Agency. The highest daily benefit in 2026 is about 1,236 kr per day for the first 100 days, then it steps down. Full benefit requires at least 12 months of membership and enough earned income (an income condition of about 120,000 kr). You must be registered with the Public Employment Service and actively seek work. If you are not a member you get a lower basic benefit.
📋 The rules
- The fund is voluntary — you must be a member
- Since 1 October 2025: the benefit is income-based
- Highest daily benefit 2026: about 1,236 kr/day (first 100 days)
- Full benefit requires at least 12 months of membership
- You must register with the Employment Service and seek work
🔓 Exceptions
- Benefit periods that began before 1 October 2025 follow the old rules
- A non-member gets a lower basic benefit
- The self-employed have special income-calculation rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Wrongly paid benefit leads to repayment and suspension from benefit. Giving false information can be benefit fraud with fines or prison.
📎 Official sources
- IAF · New unemployment insurance →
- Sweden's unemployment funds · New rules 2025 →
- Unemployment Insurance Act (1997:238) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Must I be a member of an unemployment fund?
Yes, for income-based benefit. If you are not a member you can only get a lower basic benefit.
How much can I get per day?
Up to about 1,236 kr per day for the first 100 days in 2026, then the benefit steps down.
How long must I have been a member?
At least 12 months to get the highest income-based benefit.
Must I seek work to get benefit?
Yes. You must be registered with the Public Employment Service and actively seek work.
What changed on 1 October 2025?
The benefit became income-based instead of hours-based, and is now calculated on your previous income.
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