Grants for individuals - Starfsafl

Amount of refund

Maximum refund per year increases from 100.000 ISK to 130.000 ISK for all grants (studies and courses) if the member has full rights in the fund. Otherwise in proportion to their part-time work for the last 12 months. Effective from January 1st, 2020, and applies for all invoices dated from that time.

Maximum refund per year for leisure grants is 30.000 ISK if the member has full rights in the fund. Otherwise in proportion to their part-time work for the last 12 months. The amount is part of 130,000 ISK. maximum grant.

It is never refunded more than 75% of the cost of the course. Book cost, cost for exams, travel or license and school-/student association cost is not refunded.

The committee of Starfsafl agreed that up to 90% will be refunded of costs of job-related study/courses instead of 75%, in order to meet the current circumstances of the society. This includes studies purchased and invoices issued between March 15, 2020 and May 1, 2021, which meet the fund’s requirements.

Changes to invoices as of January 1, 2020

In addition to general and vocational education, the following is supported:

Interest area evaluation performed by a educational or vocational counsellor.

Secondary school fees, including materiel costs included in school fees but not including optional fees such as student union dues. To reiterate, this only applies to materiel costs which are part of school fees.

Examination and certification fees which are a necessary part of studies or graduation, e.g. driving licence.

Vocational coaching up to 12 hours in the calendar year. The invoice should state that the coaching is related to work, the number of hours, and confirmation of the coach’s ACC certification

Members who have paid consecutively to the union for the last 3 years and have not received a grant from the fund can be entitled to a grant up to 390.000 ISK. for one continuous job-related study according to the rules of the fund. Effective from January 1st, 2020, and applies for all invoices dated from that time, before the amount is 300.000 ISK.

It is to be noted that a member has 3 months to submit an application after he quits working. A refund is made for studies/courses that began while the applicant paid to the union.

Exceptions to general rules:

Exceptions to general rules: Union members who do not have Icelandic as their native language can apply for a refund for Icelandic language courses after paying to the union for 1 month.

Travel grant

When a union member travels abroad in connection with a job-related study, course or conference, he may apply for a travel grant.

The grant is only for flights (not bus, cabs or other transportation).
Maximum travel cost is 40.000 ISK per year but a maximum of 50% of the invoice.
Along with the application a confirmation for the study, course or conference must be included that is paid by the union member.
Travel cost is considered to be an individual grant and subjects under its rules. This means that the maximum refund per year is 130.000 ISK- for job-related study, course or conference and total cost of trip. Effective from January 1st, 2020, and applies for all invoices dated from that time, before the amount is 100.000 ISK.

In other respects, rules on individual grants and submission of documents are applicable.

The following documents must accompany the application:

An original invoice stating the union member’s name, study/course description, name and ID number/kennitala of the educator. If there is no confirmation of payment on the invoice, an additional confirmation of payment must be submitted, e.g. from internet bank or payment receipt from the relevant school/company.

Members who are registered with the Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) must also submit a confirmation of the grant amount from the institution with the application.

Due to an application for a grant for study or a course abroad it is necessary to submit an original invoice in the original language and in English and a detailed breakdown of costs must be provided.

The invoice may not be older than 12 months.

Download application

Applications and inquiries can be sent to fraedslusjodur@efling.is

Starfsafl allocation rules

Union member who has worked and paid premiums for 6 months in the last 24 months is entitled to an educational grant.
The determination of grant amounts is based on paid premiums for the last 12 months. Premiums of minimum wage for full-time employment or higher amounts to a full grant.
An application must to be filled out and an original invoice to be submitted to the office of the relevant trade union. The invoice may not be older than 12 months.
The acquired rights of members within Starfsafl and/or Landsmennt or V.R. remain unchanged, despite transfers between funds, according to further rules.
A member who quits his job will retain his rights for a grant for 3 months. After 3 months his rights are revoked. A member who quits his job because of sickness, domestic situation or other valid reasons retains his rights for a grant up to 24 months. After 24 months, his rights are revoked.
Parents in maternity-/parental leave can use their acquired rights under Article 1 if they choose to pay premiums during vacation.
Members who are searching for a job retain their rights as it was at the end of their previous job if they choose to pay premiums from unemployment benefits.