Amount and payment
The disability allowance for persons under 16 years is payable at three different rates, according the child’s greater need of care, attention and rehabilitation. The child’s overall situation is always considered when determining the amount of the allowance.
Disability allowance at the basic rate
The disability allowance at the basic rate is EUR 108.89 per month.
The allowance is available if the child needs care because of an illness or disability on at least a weekly basis.
Examples
Disability allowance at the basic rate is available for:
- child aged over 5 years who despite active treatment wets his or her bed several times per week for at least six months
- child with severe grain or milk allergy
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a child who, due to an illness or disability, needs regular support, guidance and supervision in daily activities to a greater extent than children of the same age.
Disability allowance at the middle rate
The disability allowance at the middle rate is EUR 254.10 per month.
The allowance is available if the child’s need of care due to illness or disability is demanding or time-consuming every day.
Examples
Disability allowance at the middle rate is available for
- child with diabetes treated with insulin.
- child with developmental disorder whose disability is so severe that there is a need for daily, time-consuming assistance and guidance with activities of daily living as well as rehabilitation
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a child who, due to an illness or impairment, needs a lot of support, guidance and supervision in daily activities that children of the same age normally do not need.
Disability allowance at the highest rate
The disability allowance at the highest rate is EUR 492.71 per month.
The allowance is available if the child needs care around the clock because of an illness or disability.
Examples
Disability allowance at the highest rate is available for
- child with severe hearing or vision loss.
- severely autistic child who needs continuous supervision and guidance.
Special expenses
If the child is entitled to disability allowance at the basic rate and the illness or disability also causes additional special expenses that are at least equal in amount to the middle-rate disability allowance, the disability allowance can be upgraded to the middle rate.
Special expenses can include for example out-of-pocket costs for medical care and medication. Loss of income, rehabilitative day care fees, natural health products and costs of recreational activities do not count as expenses for purposes of the disability allowance.
Payment
The disability allowance is payable on the 7th day of the month. If banks are not open on the payment date, Kela will make the payments on the immediately preceding business day.
The disability allowance is tax-free income.
The effect of other benefits and income
The incomes and assets of the parents and the child do not affect the eligibility for disability allowance for persons under 16 years.
If the child receives care allowance or supplementary handicap benefit under the employment accident and motor insurance laws on the basis of the same illness or disability, the benefit will be deducted from the disability allowance.
The same applies to corresponding benefits from abroad payable on the basis of the same illness or disability, since they will be deducted from the disability allowance.