Operations
Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, has a responsibility to provide basic support in life’s ups and downs to everyone covered by the Finnish social security system. Kela is also actively involved in making the social security system better.
Developer of the social security system
- The health and social services reformAs a knowledge provider to the social security sector, Kela is helping to build the social security of tomorrow.
- FinancingFinancing Kela's operations are financed by statutory health insurance contributions from the insured and employers and with funding from the public sector.
- National Pensions IndexMany of the benefits provided by Kela are adjusted annually according to changes in the National Pensions Index.
Operating principles
- StrategyOur work contributes to greater wellbeing for society. We build pioneering services in the area of social protection.
- Organisational responsibilityActing responsibly as an organisation is an important element of Kela's strategy. Strengthening socially sustainable development is central to our operations.
- Risk managementRisk management is a tool for ensuring the continuity of our operations and protecting the wellbeing of our staff.
Past and present
- HistoryKela was, as its Finnish name implies, initially a pension institution whose sole responsibility was to pay out national pensions.
- Social security in FinlandHow is the Finnish social security system structured? This simple graphic will tell you.
- International cooperationKela cooperates with public authorities and organisations within the social and healthcare sector in different countries.