Lost your job? How unemployment benefits are now calculated

The new income-based system took effect on 1 October 2025 for new decisions under the new rules. The old and new systems can still apply to different cases. Do not assume figures from an older claim apply to a new one.

Unemployment benefits are calculated under new rules after the reform.

Under the reformed system, unemployment benefit is based on income. The rate can be up to 80, 60 or 50 percent depending on membership history, with income capped at SEK 34,000 a month for the calculation.

What you need to know

• The new income-based system took effect on 1 October 2025 for new decisions under the new rules.
• Membership of 12+ months can give up to 80%; 6–11 months up to 60%; 0–5 months up to 50%, subject to the other conditions.
• The current maximum income used in the new system is SEK 34,000 per month.
• The benefit period depends on how many months in the qualifying period met the income threshold.

What to do

1. Join an a-kassa as early as possible while working.
2. Register with Arbetsförmedlingen on your first unemployed day.
3. Apply to your a-kassa.
4. Check the exact calculation with your own a-kassa, which makes the decision.

Important

The old and new systems can still apply to different cases. Do not assume figures from an older claim apply to a new one.

Official sources

• Sveriges a-kassor — Villkor för ersättning
• Sveriges a-kassor — När ska jag gå med i a-kassan?

Sources checked: 2026-09-11.