Quick guide, benefits and services for the disabled
Kela provides support for persons with a disability or chronic illness. This quick guide explains the types of financial aid that could be relevant for you.
Disability benefits
Disability allowance for persons under 16 years
The disability allowance is intended for children who due to disability or illness regularly need rehabilitation or care that is more demanding than normal.
Disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over
The disability allowance is intended for young persons or adults whose functional ability is reduced for at least a year.
Care allowance for pensioners
The care allowance is intended for pensioners whose functional ability is reduced for at least a year and who receive a full-time pension.
Disability allowance for persons under 16 years
Check whether your child may be entitled to disability allowance for persons under 16 years. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.
Disability allowance for young persons and adults
Check whether you may be entitled to disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.
Care allowance for pensioners
Check whether you may be entitled to care allowance for pensioners. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.
Apply for benefit
Ask for a medical statement from the doctor
If you do not have a medical statement C or if the statement is more than six months old, you should visit the doctor and request a medical statement.
Send the child’s application for disability allowance by mail
The allowance cannot be applied for online.
Do you want to authorise another person to act on your behalf?
Send a power of attorney to Kela. However, on the basis of a power of attorney you cannot contact Kela on the Internet.
Apply for continued payment
Apply for continued payment
The disability allowance is granted either for the present time (no time limit set) or with a time limit. If the allowance has been granted for a limited time period and the need for support continues, please remember to apply for continued payment of the allowance in time.
Report changes
Report changes
You must notify Kela if your health status or the expenses due to the illness or disability change. You may have to file a new application.
Rehabilition
How to apply for rehabilitation
The doctor assesses whether rehabilitation could be helpful in your situation.
Other benefits and services
Pension offers economic security
The national pension provides economic support during incapacity for work. You can also be granted a guarantee pension if your income is small.
Further information
If you cannot find the information you need on Kela’s website, you can contact us by phone.