Accrual and validity of the work requirement

A valid work requirement is a prerequisite for unemployment allowance. To meet the work requirement, you must have worked as an entrepreneur for at least a total of 15 months during your Entrepreneur Fund membership in the course of a scrutiny period of 48 months.

In the context of unemployment security, working as an entrepreneur is defined as being employed in your company and making YEL- or MYEL income of at least EUR 14 803 For part-owners of a company under TyEL, the gross annual income under TyEL must be at least EUR 14 803 (or 1233,58 per month) to accrue the work requirement.

The entrepreneur’s work requirement is fulfilled when

• you have been a member in the Entrepreneur Fund for at least 15 months
• you have worked as an entrepreneur during those 15 months
• your pension insurance has been based on at least
  • 14 803 € in 2024
  • 14 088 € in 2023
  • 13 573 € in 2022
  • 13 247 € in 2021
  • 13 076 € in 2020
  • 12 816 € in 2019
  • 12 576 € in 2018
  • 12 564 € in 2017
  • 12 420 € in 2016
  • 12 325,55 € in 2015
  • 8 520 € in 2014 and before

Extending the scrutiny period

The scrutiny period of 48 months can be extended by a maximum of 7 years for such reasons as conscript service, illness, full-time study or care for a child aged 3 years or younger.

Please note, that the scrutiny period cannot be extended beyond your membership in the Entrepreneur Fund. 

You are entitled to our reduced membership fee during a period that extends the scrutiny period.