When people talk about the perks of living and working in Sweden, they often praise the country’s generous parental leave, high-quality healthcare system, and famous commitment to work-life balance. However, one of the greatest benefits tends to be overlooked, meaning not all international residents are aware of it.

An a-kassa (short for arbetslöshetskassa) is a form of unemployment insurance in Sweden that provides financial support to workers who lose their jobs. It’s open to anyone working in Sweden, whether employed full-time, part-time, or self-employed. By joining an a-kassa, you’re safeguarding your financial security should you find yourself out of work. The idea is to help cover living costs while you’re between jobs.

Are a-kassas and unions the same thing? 

Here’s where it can get a little bit confusing. A-kassas and unions are related but operate independently of each other. Some unions partner with specific a-kassas and may encourage you to join both, but ultimately, whichever a-kassa you join is your decision. Joining a union does not automatically make you a member of an a-kassa, and vice versa. 

So, what exactly is the difference? While a-kassas provide financial support in the form of unemployment benefits if you lose your job, unions focus on protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions, such as wages, hours, and job security. Together, they form integral parts of what is known as the ‘Swedish model’, a unique system combining economic competitiveness with a robust social safety net.

Who can join an a-kassa?

Joining an a-kassa in Sweden isn’t mandatory, but it’s a smart move if you want to protect yourself in case of unemployment. Membership is open to everyone who works or has worked in Sweden. 

A word to the wise: don’t delay signing up – the sooner you join, the quicker you’ll start building up the eligibility needed to access benefits if you lose your job. Waiting until you’re out of work could leave you without the financial support you need, so it’s best to be prepared early.

How should you choose an a-kassa?

Choosing the right a-kassa comes down to what you do for a living. There are over 20 a-kassas in Sweden that cater to specific sectors and job types, such as Akademikernas a-kassa, which is aimed at workers with a university degree. It’s important to pick an a-kassa that matches your profession or education to ensure the system works smoothly for you. All unemployment funds have the same rules, but it is the service, price, and expertise that differentiate them.

How does the a-kassa system work?

The a-kassa system is built on voluntary membership, meaning you must actively choose to join and pay the monthly membership fee. The amount varies depending on the a-kassa but is generally between 130 and 200 SEK a month. Akademikernas a-kassa is on the lower end with a fixed monthly fee of 130 SEK (increasing to 140 SEK from 1st January, 2025) for all members.

Once you’re a member, you can access unemployment benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with these conditions to ensure you can claim when you need to.

As a member of Akademikernas a-kassa, the conditions for benefits based on income are:

  • You must be registered at Arbetsförmedlingen: You can only claim benefits when registered with the Swedish Public Employment Service. You also need to be actively seeking employment and available to take on a new job.
  • You must meet the work requirement: You should have worked at least six months for 60 hours per month in the past year. 
  • You must have been a member for at least 12 months: If you have been a member for less than 12 months, you can receive a lower basic allowance.

How do you apply for benefits?

Provided you’re eligible for benefits, the process couldn’t be simpler:

  1. Register as unemployed with Arbetsförmedlingen on your first day of unemployment.
  2. Submit an online application to your a-kassa, providing information about your work history and unemployment status.

Once your application is approved, your benefits will be paid directly into your bank account. You’ll need to submit a weekly timesheet detailing your job search-related activities, and depending on your situation, you can claim for up to 300 days. 

With an a-kassa membership, you’ll have the financial safety net to help you stay on your feet during unemployment. So, don’t hang about – get covered before you need it!

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