As an informal carer for a loved one

The wellbeing services county (or the City of Helsinki) may terminate the informal care agreement in the following cases:   

• the criteria for informal care support are no longer met  
• the carer is no longer able to care for their family member due to their own health  
• the care arrangement is no longer in the cared-for person’s best interest  
• the care arrangement risks the health or safety of the cared-for person or carer.  

If the wellbeing services county terminates the agreement, the period of notice is two months. However, the agreement ends with immediate effect if the arrangement is no longer in the best interest of the cared-for person or it endangers the health or safety of the cared-for person or carer.  

The terms and conditions of informal care support may be changed at the wellbeing services county´s discretion. It means that the wellbeing services county may terminate the informal care agreement even if there are no changes in the situation of the carer or cared-for person. 

If you believe that the wellbeing services county has terminated your agreement incorrectly, you can request rectification by appealing the decision to the relevant wellbeing services county´s board. The decision will include instructions for appeal. A subsequent decision by the board can be appealed to the Administrative Court. Read more about a citizen’s right to appeal a decision. 

The wellbeing services county will continue to be responsible for providing care if the family member needs it. However, the termination of the agreement means that as a carer, you are no longer entitled to the carer’s allowance or any statutory carer’s leave. The carer’s allowance will be paid until the end of the agreement. 

When the situation changes, the wellbeing services county will carry out a new needs assessment and organise the necessary services. If the safety of the cared-for person or carer is compromised, the wellbeing services county must arrange the care without undue delay. 

If your family member still needs your care and you are able to provide it, you can apply to the local If your family member still needs your care and you are able to provide it, you can apply to the wellbeing services county for special leave under the Social Welfare Act. This is also known as discretionary leave. It is granted on a case-by-case basis.

For further information, see Look after your own well-being – Can I have days off and holidays?.

If your care support is terminated and you find yourself struggling, you can contact e.g. your wellbeing services county's social worker. It is important that you seek help.  

You can also talk to others who are in the same situation. There are various peer groups where you can share your experiences. You can contact e.g. local Carers Finland associations (in Finnish)Opens in a new window. to find peer support.

Parishes and family counselling centres and mental health services in the wellbeing services county also organise groups and activities for informal carers, where you can access support and share your experiences.  

Omaisena Edelleen (in Finnish)Opens in a new window. is a support organisation especially for people whose family member has moved out or has transferred to another care arrangement.