The exempt amount applicable to the unemployment benefit has been temporarily increased to EUR 500

The exempt amount applicable to the unemployment benefit has been temporarily increased from EUR 300 to EUR 500. The exempt amount refers to the amount of money a recipient of unemployment benefits can earn without it reducing his benefits. The increase in exempt amount applies to a period from 1 June 2020 until 31 October 2020. Unemployed jobseeker can earn up to 465 euros (previously € 279) if his benefit is paid every four weeks, or up to 500 euros (previously € 300) if his benefit is paid on a monthly basis. Every euro that excess above mentioned amount will reduce unemployment benefit by 50 cents.

A person who works, for example, part-time, on-demand work, full-time work lasting up to two weeks or a reduced working day due to temporarily lay off can receive the adjusted unemployment benefit. The increase in the exempt amount also applies to entrepreneurs to whom Kela pays labor market subsidy due to the corona epidemic.

The conditions for receiving the allowance for daily work-related trips have simplified

The requirements for the commuting and relocation allowance for daily work-related trips has been also temporarily simplified, which it is hoped will make it easier for employers suffering from labor shortages. Thus, the employee is available for this allowance if he accepts a full-time job which requires him to travel more than two hours each day to get to and from work (instead of the previous three hours), or if he moves a comparable distance to be closer to the place of work. This allowance is EUR 33,66 per day. The change applies to periods of employment beginning between 12 June 2020 and 31 October 2020.

The purpose is to increase regional mobility to help people find full-time work. The allowance is intended to cover the costs of working trips or expenses incurred when moving closer to the place of work.

The full information can be found at KELA website.