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Services and Benefits

Decision concerning the assessment and help finding a job

On the basis of the expert opinion, the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund will make a decision on the extent of your work ability within 30 working days. The scope of work ability can be:

  • With ability to work – a person is not prevented from working for reasons related to their state of health
  • Partial work ability – a person is partially prevented from working due to their state of health and the resulting restrictions
  • No work ability – a person who is unable to work due to their state of health and the resulting restrictions

The decision on the assessment of work ability is valid for up to five years, or until retirement age in the case of a particularly serious condition. The decision can be contested within 30 days of receipt.

If you have partial or no work capacity, you are entitled to receive a work ability allowance.

The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund will help you find a job and support you in keeping that job. We offer a diverse range of services based on whatever is preventing you from being hired or working. For example, you can improve your job-search knowledge and skills and exchange experiences with other jobseekers in a job-search workshop. If you need to acquire or supplement your professional skills in order to find a job, we offer training or work placements. We also offer career counselling as well as psychological counselling.

If you have reduced work ability caused by a disability or long-term health damage, we will additionally provide you with services to help overcome or reduce barriers related to commencing work and employment. You can read more about these services here services for people with reduced work ability

If you want to find a job, become a client of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. When you register as unemployed, you will be assigned a personal adviser – a case manager – who knows how to advise people with reduced work ability. You meet or communicate with a counsellor at least once a month. In addition to face-to-face meetings at the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund office, advice can also be provided by telephone or via a self-service portal. Together with the counsellor, you will draw up an individual action plan, in which you will agree on the activities that will best help you find a job.

If you are employed but need support to continue working due to reduced work ability, contact an appropriate Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund office and arrange a meeting with your case manager. Contact information for our offices can be found here: offices of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund