Number of applications and decisions remained stable compared to 2023

During the year, we processed a total of 41,181 applications, resulting in 33,553 decisions. This indicates that the financial security provided by the fund has been an important support for many in the changing job market.

Growing interest in the unemployment fund

A total of 4,188 new members joined the fund in 2024. This shows that more people recognize the importance of earnings-related daily allowance and want to secure their livelihood in case of unemployment or layoffs.

Unemployment and layoffs can bring various concerns, and we are here to support our members both in practical matters and broader life changes.

Member communication

Our members actively engaged with the fund. In 2024:

• We sent 17,576 letters, informing applicants about decisions and providing guidance.
• We held 9,931 conversations, assisting our members with applications and benefits— and sometimes even with broader life matters. Unemployment and layoffs can bring various concerns, and we are here to support our members both in practical matters and broader life changes.

Level of earnings-related daily allowance and popularity of job alternation leave

In 2024, the average amount of earnings-related daily allowance was €72.26 per day, providing financial security during unemployment.

The popularity of job alternation leave increased significantly — 775 applications were submitted, representing a 33% increase from the previous year. The rise in applications was partly influenced by the knowledge that job alternation leave would be discontinued in August 2024, prompting many to apply before the change. However, the number of people actually taking leave remained moderate.

Increase in layoffs – but still under control

The number of layoffs increased by 12.5%, but the total remained manageable at 775 laid-off workers. This reflects the challenges in the job market but also indicates that there were no major waves of layoffs among our members.

Major legislative changes in 2024

Several legislative changes affecting unemployment security took effect in 2024, including:

• Abolition of child increments (April 1, 2024): Child increments previously paid were discontinued as of April, affecting the amount of daily allowance for many members.
• Removal of the standard entitlement (April 1, 2024): The standard entitlement for adjusted earnings-related allowance was removed, meaning that income from part-time work or secondary business activities now has a more direct impact on the amount of daily allowance.
• Extension of the employment and membership condition (September 2, 2024): The employment and membership condition was extended from 26 weeks to 12 months, affecting the eligibility for daily allowance.
• Abolition of job alternation leave (August 1, 2024): New job alternation leaves could no longer be started from the beginning of August 2024.

Expert insights fo our members

Unemployment security experts encounter various questions and concerns from members daily. Here are their key messages to members:

🔹 Thank you for your membership! “If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have work to do.”

🔹 A common misconception: A waiting period is not the same as a suspension period. Also, many do not realize that adjusted daily allowance can be claimed for part-time work— and it is advisable to apply for it!

🔹 Tip for applicants: Many do not apply for adjusted daily allowance for part-time work or stop their job search, even when they are eligible for benefits. Always send us a copy of your employment contract with your application, so we can check your benefit eligibility. Keep your job search active unless you are in full-time employment.

🔹 The unemployment fund does not make laws: “The government decides, the funds implement.” The fund’s goal is to ensure that decisions are made exactly as mandated by legislation.

🔹 Preparation is the key: “Things tend to work out. But if possible, it’s wise to prepare in advance.”

Looking ahead to 2025

The year 2024 was a year of change and adaptation for the unemployment fund. Our membership remained stable, and the number of applications was nearly identical to the previous year. However, we successfully managed communications and the implementation of legislative changes, ensuring fair treatment of our members in an evolving legal landscape. We thank our members for their trust and will continue our work to provide reliable and up-to-date services in 2025.