Benefits for adoptive parents

Adoptive parents are eligible for largely the same family benefits as biological parents. While adoptive parents are not eligible for the maternity allowance, they are entitled to an extended parental leave and parental allowance.

In addition, if you adopt a child from abroad, you can claim adoption grant from Kela.

When does an adoptive parent get benefits from Kela?

In order to qualify for Kela benefits, the adoptive parent must be living permanently in Finland. With international adoptions, it is also required that an international adoption agency has identified a child in your custody and the Finnish Board of Inter-Country Adoption Affairs has authorized the adoption. You are not eligible for Kela benefits if you handled the adoption independently.