Basic Assistance

The Basic Allowance is intended to cover food, personal hygiene, clothing and other daily expenses for the conscript's spouse and children.

Spouse and children refers to

  • a married spouse or registered partner of the conscript
  • a cohabiting spouse who has a dependent child with the conscript
  • a biological or adopted child of the conscript or his or her married spouse, or a child placed into the custody of the conscript whose legal guardian the conscript is.

Income and assets

The amount of the Basic Assistance is affected by the income of the conscript and his or her eligible family members during the performance of the service.

If received during the performance of the service, the following count as income:

  • for employees, wage or salary (including fringe benefits), minus withholding taxes and contributions towards earnings-related pensions and unemployment insurance
  • for the self-employed, earned income and income from capital, minus taxes
  • for farmers, earned income minus taxes
  • social welfare benefits minus taxes
  • nearly all other income at net value (with the exception of income support, Paternity Allowance, per-diem allowance paid by the Finnish Defence Forces, etc.)

The value of or income from assets do not affect the amount of the allowance.

Other benefits

The following Kela benefits do not affect your eligibility to the Basic Assistance or the amount of the benefit:

  • Maternity Grant
  • Child Benefit
  • Paternity Allowance
  • General Housing Allowance
  • Disability Allowance for persons under the age of 16
  • Disability Allowance for persons aged 16 or over and
  • Care Allowance for Pensioners.

Updated 04/11/13