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Quick guide, benefits and services for the disabled

Kela provides support for persons with a disability or chronic illness. This quick guide explains the types of financial aid that could be relevant for you.

Disability benefits

Disability allowance for persons under 16 years

The disability allowance is intended for children who due to disability or illness regularly need rehabilitation or care that is more demanding than normal.

Disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over

The disability allowance is intended for young persons or adults whose functional ability is reduced for at least a year.

Care allowance for pensioners

The care allowance is intended for pensioners whose functional ability is reduced for at least a year and who receive a full-time pension.

Disability allowance for persons under 16 years

Check whether your child may be entitled to disability allowance for persons under 16 years. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.

Disability allowance for young persons and adults

Check whether you may be entitled to disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.

Care allowance for pensioners

Check whether you may be entitled to care allowance for pensioners. We have compiled some questions to help you assess whether it is worthwhile to apply for the allowance.

Apply for benefit

Ask for a medical statement from the doctor

If you do not have a medical statement C or if the statement is more than six months old, you should visit the doctor and request a medical statement.

Apply for disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over online

If someone else applies for disability allowance on your behalf, the application cannot be filed on the Internet.   

Apply for care allowance for pensioners online

If someone else applies for disability allowance on your behalf, the application cannot be filed on the Internet.  

Send the child’s application for disability allowance by mail

The allowance cannot be applied for online.

Do you want to authorise another person to act on your behalf?

Send a power of attorney to Kela. However, on the basis of a power of attorney you cannot contact Kela on the Internet.

Apply for continued payment

Apply for continued payment

The disability allowance is granted either for the present time (no time limit set) or with a time limit. If the allowance has been granted for a limited time period and the need for support continues, please remember to apply for continued payment of the allowance in time.

Report changes

Report changes

You must notify Kela if your health status or the expenses due to the illness or disability change. You may have to file a new application.

Rehabilition

How to apply for rehabilitation

The doctor assesses whether rehabilitation could be helpful in your situation.

Other benefits and services

Pension offers economic security

The national pension provides economic support during incapacity for work. You can also be granted a guarantee pension if your income is small.

Housing benefits

If your income is small, you can apply for housing allowance.

Further information

If you cannot find the information you need on Kela’s website, you can contact us by phone.