Basic social assistance and the costs of obtaining a necessary identity, residence or travel document

Kela may grant basic social assistance for costs associated with obtaining a necessary identity, residence or travel document.

A passport or an identity card with a photo are necessary when running errands (e.g. at the bank). If a passport is obtained only for foreign travel, basic social assistance cannot be granted for the costs for obtaining the passport.

Costs for obtaining a passport or other document that can be accepted under the basic social assistance scheme include:

• application fee
• passport photo
• necessary documentation
• possible travel costs.

Accommodation costs in connection with the obtaining of a passport or document are not taken into account.