Income & tax

Unemployment insurance (A-kassa)

Calculate your unemployment benefit based on previous salary and unemployment duration.

FAQ

What is A-kassa?

A-kassa is Sweden’s unemployment insurance. If you meet the conditions (membership, work requirement, and active job seeking), it can pay compensation during unemployment.

Is the benefit taxed?

Yes. Unemployment benefits are generally taxable income, which means the amount you receive after tax can be lower than the gross benefit shown.

Why does the benefit change over time (days 1–100, 101–200, etc.)?

Benefit levels can be different across periods in the benefit cycle. The calculator shows period-based amounts so you can understand how compensation may evolve over time.

Do I need 12 months of membership?

Longer membership can be required for income-based compensation. If your membership is shorter, the compensation rate may be lower. Always verify eligibility with your A-kassa fund.

Is this calculator an official decision?

No. It’s an estimate for planning based on the information you enter. Your final benefit depends on your A-kassa fund’s assessment and current rules.

Calculate your unemployment benefit 2026

Our unemployment insurance calculator helps you estimate how much you can receive if you become unemployed. The calculator accounts for your previous salary, membership duration and relevant ceilings/benefit levels. A-kassa is an important part of the Swedish safety net and provides financial compensation during periods of unemployment.

How unemployment insurance works in Sweden

A-kassa is often based on a share of your previous salary, but with ceilings and rules that can vary by membership and period. To receive higher compensation you typically need a certain membership duration and to meet the work requirement. Benefits are paid for your unemployed days and are taxable.

Plan your finances during unemployment

With our unemployment calculator you can estimate your financial situation during unemployment. This helps you plan how long you can be unemployed before needing to adjust your budget or use your savings. Remember that A-kassa requires active job seeking and cooperation with Arbetsförmedlingen.

About Unemployment Insurance (A-kassa)

Swedish unemployment insurance (A-kassa) is designed to provide temporary income if you lose your job. The rules can feel complex—benefit levels depend on your previous income, membership duration, and how many days you have already received compensation.

This article explains the basics and how to use the calculator to get a realistic estimate.

What is A-kassa?

A-kassa (arbetslöshetskassa) is an insurance system that pays compensation when you are unemployed and meet certain conditions. You normally need to:

  • Be registered as a jobseeker and actively apply for jobs.
  • Meet the work requirement.
  • Have been a member long enough to qualify for income-based compensation.

What affects how much you get?

Key factors include:

  • Your previous salary (income basis)
  • Membership duration (often important for the compensation rate)
  • Benefit ceilings (there is a cap on compensation)
  • Number of compensated days (benefit levels can change over time)

How to use the calculator

  1. Enter your monthly salary before unemployment.
  2. Enter how many days you expect to be unemployed.
  3. Enter how long you have been a member.
  4. Review the daily/monthly estimates and the totals.

Practical tips

  • Use the calculator for “what-if” scenarios: shorter vs longer unemployment, different salary levels, and different membership durations.
  • Remember benefits are typically taxable.
  • If you are unsure about eligibility, check your A-kassa fund and Arbetsförmedlingen guidance.

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