a-kassa

An unemployment insurance fund that pays you an income-related benefit if you lose your job. There are many funds, most linked to a trade or profession, and you join one yourself and pay a monthly fee. Membership is voluntary and separate from union membership, although many unions have their own fund.

To get money from the fund you must also be registered with Arbetsförmedlingen, actively look for suitable jobs and send in an activity report each month. If you do not, you can get a warning or lose days of compensation.

The fund, not Arbetsförmedlingen, decides whether you qualify and pays the money. Joining early matters, because you build up the right to compensation while you are a member and working.