Since July 1, 2002, an unemployment fund is to some extent equal to a government agency, and is as thus comprised by the Freedom of the Press Act of the Swedish constitution.
The primary function of the unemployment funds is to administrate and pay unemployment benefits, according to law (Lag om arbetslöshetsförsäkring (1997:238) and Lag om arbetslöshetskassor (1997:239)).
Alfa-kassan fund is independent and under certain conditions its financial help is available to all Swedish citizens (or residents) over the age of 20, regardless of work field.
This insurance is mandatory and consists of flat rate benefit of 365 SEK (~34 EUR) per day.
There is also an advantage for unemployed parents of small children (under the age of 18), they can get the 70% of their normal income for additional 150 days.