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Quick guide

Basic social assistance may be available to individuals and families whose income and assets do not cover their essential daily expenses. This quick guide tells you how to apply for social assistance.

Read this quick guide first

Last-resort financial assistance

First apply for any other assistance to which you may be entitled
Before applying for basic social assistance, you must find out if there are some other benefits or sources of income available to you.
Calculation of income and expenses
Entitlement to basic social assistance is determined on the basis of the Social Assistance Act and by reference to a calculation of income and expenses.
Application processing times
Kela gives a decision on your application within 7 working days. Remember to provide all relevant information in your application.

Help with daily expenses

Housing, food and clothing
Basic social assistance is intended to cover the essential costs of daily living such as food, clothingand housing.
Healthcare
You may be able to get basic social assistance for healthcare user fees and for the cost of medically necessary transportation.
Buying medication with a voucher
If you are granted basic social assistance and you need medication, you get a voucher that you can present at the pharmacy.

Other situations

Renewing an application
Kela usually grants basic social assistance for one or two months at a time. After that it is possible to renew your application.
If circumstances change
You must tell Kela of any changes in your circumstances that are relevant to the basic social assistance you get.
Kela at your service
Questions? Call Kela's customer service or visit any Kela office. You can also schedule an appointment.

© Kansaneläkelaitos - The Social Insurance Institution of Finland