Kela.Fi
Kela
A leader in customer-focused services and a key player in the welfare ecosystem strives to generate value for both its customers and society. To achieve this goal, it has implemented a strategic development initiative known as Eepos. Our work to develop services and systems draws on customer insight, an area that has been a focus for development at Kela in recent years Read more
Services
A leader in customer-focused services and a key player in the welfare ecosystem strives to generate value for both its customers and society. To achieve this goal, it has implemented a strategic development initiative known as Eepos. Our work to develop services and systems draws on customer insight, an area that has been a focus for development at Kela in recent years.
Changes in unemployment benefits, general housing allowance and social assistance
Parliament approved several cuts and changes to unemployment benefits and general housing allowances provided by Kela, which also impact social assistance.
What to do if you won’t have enough money after benefit cuts?
- If You Are Already Receiving Social Assistance
If your general housing allowance or unemployment benefits are reduced, your social assistance may increase to compensate. Use the social assistance calculator (in Finnish or Swedish) to check the new amount and then request a review of your social assistance. Do you have expenses for which you cannot receive social assistance from Kela? The social services office of your wellbeing services county may provide supplementary and preventive social assistance at their discretion. - If You Are Not Yet Receiving Social Assistance
You can use the social assistance calculator (in Finnish or Swedish) to check if you might be entitled to social assistance. Keep in mind that the amount of social assistance is affected by all income and assets available to you. Make an application for social assistance. Fill in the application as carefully as you can and enclose your bank statements and other necessary supporting documents.
See also: When applying for social assistance, do not forget the bank statements (in Finnish or Swedish). - Processing Time for Your Application
Kela will usually review your social assistance application within seven working days (Monday to Friday) of receiving it and all the necessary supporting documents. We will contact you if your application is missing relevant information or documents that we need in order to process the application. In that case, your application will be decided within seven working days (Monday to Friday) of the day on which we receive the documents at Kela.