Changes to social security benefits

Kela’s task is to implement the changes to the social security legislation that Parliament approves.

On this page, we will gather up-to-date information on upcoming changes to the social security benefits. When the changes take effect, we will also update the information on the pages describing the individual benefits.

Press releases

Social assistance can be granted for reasonable housing costs – Kela does not ask anyone to move

Recently, many customers have contacted Kela to ask if they have to move out of their current home if the housing costs exceed the maximum limits acceptable for the purposes of social assistance. Kela does not ask anyone to move, but social assistance does not necessarily cover all housing costs if the costs exceed the maximum limit set for the municipality.

Information leaflet on changes to benefits available for customer guidance in several different languages

On 1 April 2024, cuts will be made to the general housing allowance and unemployment benefits available from Kela. The benefits of around half a million customers will be affected. Our new information leaflets provide information on the changes in several languages.

Cuts in general housing allowances and unemployment benefits will impact around 500,000 of Kela’s customers starting from 1 April 2024

Several cuts will be made in April to the general housing allowances and unemployment benefits available from Kela. The benefits of around half a million customers will be affected. The cuts made to the unemployment benefits will reduce benefits right away in April. General housing allowances will be reduced when next reviewed, which will take place no later than March 2025.

Government proposes changes to wage-subsidised work, earnings-related unemployment allowances and age-related exceptions to unemployment benefit rules

Government proposes to end adult education allowances and job alternation leaves

Under a proposal put out by the Government, the adult education allowance would no longer be available for studies beginning on or after 1 August 2024. The same would apply to the government-provided student loan guarantees that are part of the scheme. Eligibility for job alternation leaves would also end at the beginning of August.

Changes to the housing allowance for pensioners year 2024

The pensioners’ housing allowance will be frozen at its 2023 level. The allowance is linked to the National Pensions Index. The charges for heating, water and maintenance and the maximum amounts of housing costs will also not be adjusted in 2024–2027. Other rules for determining the housing allowance for pensioners remain unchanged.

Changes to Kela benefits in 2024

The number of changes to Kela benefits and eligibility criteria scheduled for 2024 is unusually large. Some of the changes will take effect at the beginning of 2024, others not until later in 2024.

Changes to Kela unemployment benefits in 2024

Parliament has approved a number of changes to unemployment benefits. Among them are cuts to basic unemployment allowances and labour market subsidies, both of which are paid by Kela. Some of the changes will take effect at the beginning of 2024, others not until later in 2024. This press release summarises all of the changes to Kela unemployment benefits that will be implemented during 2024.

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Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government (valtioneuvosto.fi)

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