Rehabilitation Allowance

The purpose of the Rehabilitation Allowance is to provide you with an income while participating in rehabilitation aimed at helping you to remain in, return to or enter working life.

To qualify for the Rehabilitation Allowance, you must be between 16 and 67 years of age and prevented from working due to participation in rehabilitation. Further, you must have a valid rehabilitation decision issued, for example, by Kela or your occupational health care provider. No decision is required from young persons or from persons with limited functioning attending an apprenticeship programme.

If you are paid while in rehabilitation, the Rehabilitation Allowance is paid to your employer.

You do not qualify for the Rehabilitation Allowance if you receive

  • an old-age pension or early old-age pension under the National Pensions Act or an earnings-related pensions act
  • a full compensation for loss of earnings under a worker's compensation or motor insurance plan, the Military Injuries Act or the Act Concerning Injuries Sustained in Military Service.

Rehabilitation Allowance for apprentices

If your work capacity is significantly impaired and there is a risk that you may become disabled for work within the next few years, you can get Rehabilitation Allowance while attending an apprenticeship programme. The part of the allowance corresponding to your wage is paid to your employer.

Updated 10/22/12