Transport workers’ strike may cause delays with benefit applications – Kela recommends using e-services
Due to a transport workers’ strike, applications and supporting documents mailed to Kela may take longer to arrive. Kela recommends customers to use the OmaKela e-service to send applications and supporting documents. Kela is prepared to be flexible with deadlines for supporting documents that are delayed by the strike.
The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT has issued a strike notice for 15 to 21 February 2023. Additionally, the Finnish Post and Logistics Union PAU will carry out a sympathy strike on 16 February 2023. The strikes may cause delays in mail deliveries.
According to Posti, the strike could delay letter deliveries by several days to more than a week. For Kela's customers, this means that they will have to wait longer to receive a decision on any application or supporting documents sent by post.
Kela recommends using e-services – assistance is also available over the phone and at customer service points
Any letters sent by Kela to individual customers, including those that contain a decision on a benefit claim, may be delayed by the strike. However, the decisions may be viewed in OmaKela as per usual.
Because of the delays, payments of social benefits, especially unemployment benefits and social assistance, may be delayed as well, if documents have been sent by mail.
Customers are recommended to use OmaKela as the primary way of conducting business with Kela, as OmaKela is not affected by the strike. To log in to OmaKela, customers need their online banking credentials or mobile ID. They can also look up the status of their benefit applications in OmaKela.
“Most customers of Kela already use OmaKela. Switching to e-services is now a particularly good idea”, says Soili Orre, head of Customer Relations at Kela.
Kela’s phone customer service and service points are ready to help customers use the e-service and to assist those who are unable to go online.
Kela will offer some flexibility with deadlines
Kela is prepared to be flexible in the event of any delays caused by the strike.
According to Soili Orre, Kela understands that not all customers are able to use the e-service. “We will do our best to make sure that the strike does not create financial insecurity for our customers”, she says.
Kela is monitoring the effects of the strike and will inform customers and partners acccordingly.