Benefits and allowances

Society pays different allowances and benefits to guarantee that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in working life and society. Financial support is given for studying, having a family, unemployment and many other situations.

Some of the allowances, for example, family allowance, are paid automatically, after application. Some allowances, such as earnings-related unemployment allowance, are only available for those who have paid for this benefit in advance.

Benefits paid by society vary every year, and information on the current level of benefit is available from the authorities responsible for the matter in question. Benefits are on the whole handled by KELA, but local authorities also have their own benefits.

Local authorities are responsible for social security and granting income support. Recipients can receive income if their income is not sufficient for everyday expenditure, such as food and housing costs.

Benefits and allowances in different life situations

• Parental allowances and child benefits
• Child daycare and support for caring for small children
• Housing allowances
• Student financial aid and grants, student loans, training and training allowance
• Unemployment security
• Flexibility in working life and related allowances
• Social insurance for studies and work abroad