Decision
Once Kela has processed your application, you will receive a decision. The amount of the benefit, the criteria for granting it, and the payment date are shown in the decision. You will receive a decision even if you have not been granted a benefit.
When can I expect a decision on my application?
Once you have submitted all the requested information, please wait patiently for us to issue a decision on your application. Our processing times are estimates. There is no need to worry even if it takes us longer to process your application.
Our customer service specialists cannot tell you when you will receive a decision on your application or how long your application will take to process. However, you should call our customer service if you need benefits urgently. It is not possible to speed up the application process via OmaKela.
The decision notice is only in Finnish or Swedish. If you need help with something, you can call one of our English language customer service numbers.
View decisions in OmaKela or receive them by post to your home address
You can view decisions issued to you in the OmaKela e-service. You will also be sent a paper copy by post if you have not opted out of paper mail. In OmaKela, you can view the decision under Omat etuudet (My benefits) on the front page. Please note that our e-service is only available in Finnish and Swedish.
All decisions issued to you over the last six years are available in OmaKela. If you need a decision that was issued earlier, you can ask Kela to mail it to your home address. Use the OmaKela e-service to send a message or call Kela’s customer service.
Opt out of paper mail
Most Kela decisions are available in a digital format. If you opt out of paper mail, you will no longer be sent paper copies of decisions, letters or other documents. You can view them only in OmaKela.
Read more about how you can opt out of paper mail.
Decisions that contain errors are corrected
Kela corrects any errors it notices in decisions. The error can be corrected either in your favour or to your disadvantage. Errors may be corrected to your disadvantage only with your consent. If you do not consent, Kela may ask the relevant appeal board to nullify the decision.
Kela will issue a decision on the correction. You have the right to seek to change the decision by lodging an appeal.
If you are dissatisfied with a decision
If you think that a decision you have received from Kela is wrong, you can appeal to have it changed. Instructions on how to appeal are included with each benefit decision. If you have questions, please contact Kela first before taking any other steps.