As an informal carer for a loved one

When the cared-for person dies, there are some practical matters that bereaved carers have to deal with. You should notify the case worker of the death so that the informal care agreement can be terminated. You can also ask about health and social care services available to yourself, if you feel that you need help.  

The personal care agreement ends at the end of the month in which the cared-for person has died. In some wellbeing services counties, the carer is notified of the agreement’s termination in writing, and the care support arrangement ends at the same time. You should check with your case worker to make sure that the services are terminated without separate notice.

The TE Office is not automatically notified when a jobseeker’s informal care agreement is terminated. If you are a jobseeker, you need to notify the TE Office yourself. 

The Death of a close family member page contains practical advice for the bereaved.   

When the cared-for person dies, their benefits are stopped. Kela usually receives official notice of death from the Population Information System within one week. If the deceased had applications pending or benefits due from Kela, in some cases they can be paid to the estate or the widowed spouse.   

If the deceased received pension payments, they will continue until the end of the month of death.   

Bereaved family members may be entitled to a survivor’s pension as a surviving spouse or child, which is paid as family pension by Kela. Alternatively, family pension may be available from e.g. the deceased’s earnings-related pension institution.  

You can contact Kela for advice about benefits and support after the death of the family member.  

Carers experience a major change in their life when the cared-for person dies and the care relationship ends.   

Although wellbeing services counties are not obligated to provide services for bereaved carers, many of them offer advice and referral services to help carers navigate their new situation. For example, social services may organise peer groups in cooperation with church groups and other organisations.  

Many people in this situation have a need to discuss their feelings and emotions. You can discuss your personal support needs with your case worker or home care coordinator, who can refer you to appropriate services. There are also various peer support groups where you can find others who are going through similar emotions and issues. If possible, do talk to family and friends about your bereavement and accept help when offered.