Decreased capacity for work

If your capacity for work is decreased or if you need rehabilitation or wish to apply for a disability pension, it is often necessary to examine your situation carefully, to make detailed evaluations, and to obtain statements from doctors who are treating you. If you are working, you should contact your designated occupational health care provider. You can also make an appointment (page in Finnish) with Kela to explore the issues involved.

Illness and incapacity for work are not exactly the same thing. Even if you are ill, you may not be incapacitated for work. However, incapacity for work is a requirement for receiving sickness allowance or disability pension from Kela. Additional information about the evaluation of work capacity (page in Finnish).

If your illness persists (page in Finnish), you may need rehabilitation. Well before you can be granted a disability pension, Kela or your earnings-related pension provider will find out whether your situation could be relieved by means of rehabilitation. You can also seek rehabilitation yourself or contact a health care provider.

  • Sickness allowance is normally paid for a maximum of 300 working days or about a year. To qualify for sickness allowance again on account of one and the same illness, you must have been fit for work for at least a year in the meantime.
  • If you have not regained your capacity for work, you may be entitled to a disability pension.
  • Disability pension can also be granted in the form of a temporary rehabilitation subsidy if your prospects for rehabilitation are being evaluated or you are already undergoing rehabilitation.
  • However, if you are able to cope with part-time work or a lighter work load, you can apply to your earnings-related pension provider for a partial disability pension . Kela does not provide partial disability pensions.

Updated 12/05/12