Can you get social assistance?
- 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. - 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. - 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. - We will process your application within 7 working days
We will process your social assistance application within seven working days (Monday to Friday) of receiving it and all the necessary supporting documents.
Read more about application processing times. - 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.
What else is going on in your life?
Are you in a difficult situation and need support?
You can talk to a Kela employee about whether rehabilitation, for example, could be a useful option for you. Your wellbeing services county can also offer a range of social services. Kela works together with your wellbeing services county as appropriate to your situation.