Let's see how this goes! The amount ($587/month) is much more reasonable than Switzerland's proposed $2,500/month. Interestingly, the Finnish government gives two reasons why they think this is worthwhile: 1) removing disincentives to work, and 2) simplifying the distribution system:
The change could also encourage more jobless people to look for work, because they won't have to worry about losing unemployment benefits. Some unemployed workers currently avoid part time jobs because even a small income boost could result in their unemployment benefits being canceled.
The Finnish government thinks the initiative could save money in the long run. The country's welfare system is complex and expensive to run, and simplifying it could reduce costly bureaucracy.