27/3/2024Decision notices on basic social assistance have been sent out with insufficient instructions for making a rectification requestSome of the decision notices on basic social assistance issued by Kela between 17 March and 22 March 2024 carry insufficient instructions for making a rectification request. Some 7,000 customers have received insufficient instructions. The error has been corrected on 22 March 2024. 26/3/2024Information leaflet on changes to benefits available for customer guidance in several different languagesOn 1 April 2024, cuts will be made to the general housing allowance and unemployment benefits available from Kela. The benefits of around half a million customers will be affected. Our new information leaflets provide information on the changes in several languages.26/3/2024Kela’s services are back to operating normallyThe technical problem affecting Kela’s services has been resolved and the services are now back to operating normally. The problem first occurred on 25 March and it partially prevented the use of Kela’s services. Because of this, the wait times for Kela's phone service may be longer than usual. The technical problem did not affect the payment of benefits.25/3/20241.4.2024 benefit changes spare pensioners' housing allowance and child benefits from cutsThe housing allowances for pensioners will not be affected by the impending cuts in social security benefits. There will also be no reductions in child benefits. The cuts in social security coming into effect on 1 April 2024 will affect general housing allowances and unemployment benefits. 25/3/2024Easter affects Kela’s opening hours and payment schedulesBecause of Easter, unemployment status reports are filed and unemployment benefits paid earlier than usual. Customers whose application and supporting documents arrive at Kela by 15 March 2024 will have their social assistance payment deposited into their account before Easter. On Holy Thursday, 28 March 2024, regular customer service will be available until 13.00, while service for customers with an urgent need of social assistance will be available until 16.00.19/3/2024Kela e-service now available in SámiKela has launched the first Sámi-language version of the OmaKela e-service. It is now possible to apply for some benefits and send supporting documents in the Sámi-language MuKela or MuuKela e-service. 18/3/2024Cuts in general housing allowances and unemployment benefits will impact around 500,000 of Kela’s customers starting from 1 April 2024Several cuts will be made in April to the general housing allowances and unemployment benefits available from Kela. The benefits of around half a million customers will be affected. The cuts made to the unemployment benefits will reduce benefits right away in April. General housing allowances will be reduced when next reviewed, which will take place no later than March 2025. 5/3/2024Government proposes changes to wage-subsidised work, earnings-related unemployment allowances and age-related exceptions to unemployment benefit rules23/2/2024Kela launches customer survey to better understand the needs of English-language services usersKela's latest survey invites users of the English kela.fi website to shape the services aimed at them by sharing what aspects they think are effective and what areas need improvement.22/2/2024Government proposes to end adult education allowances and job alternation leavesUnder a proposal put out by the Government, the adult education allowance would no longer be available for studies beginning on or after 1 August 2024. The same would apply to the government-provided student loan guarantees that are part of the scheme. Eligibility for job alternation leaves would also end at the beginning of August.7/2/2024Kela has sent out some 35,000 preliminary decisions for the recovery of overpaid student financial aidAbout 35,000 students receiving financial aid had income in excess of the annual income limit in 2022. They have received a preliminary decision on the recovery of the overpaid financial aid. The number of recipients was lower this year than it was last year.5/2/2024Improved guidance at kela.fi for customers in changing life situationsA new and improved version of the kela.fi website will be launched. The updated section about unemployment and the new front pages for all the main sections of the site are the first to be launched. Customers have been involved in the development of the website.31/1/2024Kela services probably not impacted by the demonstration and political strikes scheduled for 31 January – 2 February 2024 It appears that Kela services will not be impacted by the demonstration that trade unions will hold on Thursday, 1 February 2024, and the political strike scheduled for 31 January to 2 February. While Kela taxis will not be targeted by the strike, it is a good idea to book a taxi as soon as possible.31/1/2024How to check your client data if the service provider has ceased operations and the data has been transferred to KelaIf a private provider of healthcare and social welfare service ceases operations, it must ensure that the patient and client data are stored and archived securely. Different organisations can be responsible for storing and archiving the data. These instructions are for clients who want to check the patient data that has been transferred to Kela.11/1/2024Higher education students can now pay the healthcare feeHigher education students who study for a degree and who have registered as attending must pay a student healthcare fee. The new due date for the spring term is 15 March 2024 Kela will send a letter in advance of the due date to students who must pay the fee.20/12/2023Changes to the housing allowance for pensioners year 2024The pensioners’ housing allowance will be frozen at its 2023 level. The allowance is linked to the National Pensions Index. The charges for heating, water and maintenance and the maximum amounts of housing costs will also not be adjusted in 2024–2027. Other rules for determining the housing allowance for pensioners remain unchanged.20/12/2023Changes to Kela benefits in 2024The number of changes to Kela benefits and eligibility criteria scheduled for 2024 is unusually large. Some of the changes will take effect at the beginning of 2024, others not until later in 2024.12345…8page 1/8