Assistance with housing costs

Kela provides assistance with housing costs through two schemes:

  • The housing allowance for pensioners scheme covers low-income individuals aged 65 or over and pensioners under the age of 65 years who are permanent residents of Finland and living in rented or owner-occupied housing.
  • If the pensioner's household includes children under 18 or other persons besides the pensioner's married or cohabiting spouse, the pensioner may choose whether to apply for the general housing allowance or the housing allowance for pensioners.

Use the housing allowance calculator (in Finnish) to see which option would be preferable for you.

Updated 10/31/12