Are you applying for assistance to meet the housing costs?
Find out if you can get general housing allowance
Housing allowance is awarded to people who live permanently in the same flat or house. The amount of the allowance is affected by the income of all persons who live in the home.
Who can get housing allowance?Calculate the amount of assistance that may be available to you
You can use the calculator to find out if you are eligible for housing allowance and how much you can get.
Go to the calculator (in Finnish and Swedish).Take a photograph of the supporting documents
You need to enclose for instance the rental agreement with your application.
Read more about the documents you need to enclose with your application.File an application for general housing allowance
Fill in an application in the OmaKela e-service. Enclose additional documents in support of the application as necessary.
Go to OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish and Swedish).Apply for a review of the housing allowance if your situation changes
If you have been granted housing allowance and your or the household’s incomes, costs or other circumstances change, you should apply for a review of the housing allowance. Kela will review the housing allowance at least every 12 months.
Report changes.
What else is going on in your life?
Are you retired?
If you are retired and you have a small income, you may be entitled to housing allowance for pensioners.
Are you unemployed?
If you are unemployed, you can get a basic unemployment allowance or labour market subsidy from Kela.
Are you studying?
Students can get student financial aid for full-time study after comprehensive school.
Are you short of money?
If you have a very low income despite receiving other benefits from Kela, you should find out if you are eligible for social assistance.