Swedish a-kassa - financial security if you become unemployed
In Sweden, unemployment insurance is called a-kassa. It provides a basic, income-related financial support if you become unemployed and are looking for a new job.
Being a member of an a-kassa can give you greater financial security and peace of mind.
To be eligible to receive a-kassa compensation, you need to
- be a member of a Swedish a-kassa
- fulfil the relevant conditions.
What is an a-kassa?
- In Sweden, there are several unemployment insurance funds, called a-kassa.
- Each a-kassa is an independent organisation, often linked to a specific trade union.
- The purpose of an a-kassa is to provide basic, income-related financial support while you are unemployed and looking for a new job.
- Every a-kassa must follow the same laws and regulations, which are set by the Swedish government.
- Each a-kassa has its own board, but the rules and conditions for compensation are the same for every a-kassa.
Which a-kassa should I join?
To be covered by the income insurance included in your membership of Egineers of Sweden, you must be a member of Akademikernas a-kassa.
Become a member of Akademikernas a-kassa
Switch to Akademikernas a-kassa
If you are unsure whether you are a member of Akademikernas a-kassa, you can check by logging in on their website. You will either be logged in as a member or asked if you want to join.
Who can be a member of an a-kassa?
- If you live and work in Sweden, you have the right to join an a-kassa.
- You do not need to be currently in work, previous employment in Sweden can also be counted.
- Self-employed people can also become members of the a-kassa.
How much compensation can you receive from the a-kassa?
If you become unemployed, the a-kassa can pay up to a maximum of SEK 27 200 per month before tax, for up to 300 days.
Calculate your expected compensation from Akademikernas a-kassa
Extra compensation with our income insurance
A professional membership of Engineers of Sweden includes income insurance at no extra cost. This insurance can top up the compensation you receive from Akademikernas a-kassa.
Together, a-kassa and the Engineers of Sweden income insurance can pay up to 80 percent of a monthly salary of up to SEK 100,000 before tax, if you become involuntarily unemployed.
About the income insurance from Engineers of Sweden
Contact Folksam for details on the income insurance (in Swedish)
New rules for income-related unemployment insurance
As of 1 October 2025, new conditions apply to income-related unemployment insurance, following the new Swedish Unemployment Benefit Act (2024:506).
The main change is that eligibility for compensation is now based on income, rather than on how long you have worked.
The new rules are:
- Your right to compensation depends on how much you have earned, not how long you have worked.
- The level of compensation you can receive depends on how long you have been a member of the a-kassa.
- The number of days you can receive compensation depends on how many months you have had income.
Please note, these rules apply if you received a decision from the a-kassa on or after 1 October 2025.
The new terms and conditions at Akademikernas a-kassa
If you received a decision before 1 October 2025
If your decision from the a-kassa was issued before 1 October 2025, the previous rules still apply.
If you are unsure which rules apply to you, or want to know more about the previous rules, please contact Akademikernas a-kassa:
- Via telephone 08-412 33 00
- Via the online contact form