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Can you get social assistance?

  1. First apply for any other benefits to which you may be entitled
    Find out if you qualify for other benefits before you apply for social assistance. For example, could you get housing allowance or an unemployment benefit?
    Find out more about unemployment benefits and housing allowance.
  2. Find out if you qualify for social assistance
    Use our online calculator to estimate the amount of social assistance available to you. The calculator is available in Finnish and Swedish.
    Go to the calculator.
  3. Fill in an application
    Fill in an application for social assistance in OmaKela. OmaKela is available in Finnish and Swedish. If you cannot use OmaKela, send your application to Kela by post.
    Read the instructions on how to apply for social assistance.
  4. Apply for continued payment of social assistance
    If you are already receiving social assistance and your income and other personal circumstances have not changed, you can apply for continued payment of social assistance in OmaKela.
    Go to OmaKela.

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Changes to Kela benefits in 2025

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Read more about the changes