When the child is born

Kela receives information about the child

Information about the child's birth and personal identity code will go directly from the hospital to the Population Register Centre and from there to Kela. Kela will send a Kela card to your home address once the baby's name is registered. It is not necessary to order the Kela card separately or notify Kela of the child's name. Kela will receive information about the child directly from the Population Register Centre.

Child benefit starts

When a child is born, Kela starts to pay child benefit from the month following the birth of the child on the payment days of child benefit. The payment of maternity allowance will continue after the birth of the child. The father can also start his paternity leave once the child is born.

Check list for fathers and mothers

  1. The father can start his paternity leave immediately after the birth of the child. It is advisable not to apply for the benefits for paternity leave until after the birth. Remember to tell your employer of the leave 2 months in advance.
  2. The mother should visit a baby welfare clinic or doctor for a postnatal medical examination 5–12 weeks after delivery. The mother will receive a certificate on the postnatal medical examination, which is to be sent to Kela for the payment of parental allowance. Without the certificate, the payment of parental allowance will stop.
  3. The mother or father may take parental leave or the leave can be divided between the parents. Notify your employer of the leave at least 2 months in advance and apply for the allowance from Kela at least 1 month before starting leave.

You may be entitled to various benefits and services from Kela if your child is disabled, the child becomes ill or in other situations where everything does not go as planned.

Updated 12/12/12