The benefits available from Kela to help with housing costs cover a wide range of situations. If you study, are retired, or in military or non-military service, you cannot, as a rule, get general housing allowance.
Are you applying for general housing allowance?
- If you have a small income, you can get general housing allowance
General housing allowance is available for rental, right-of-occupancy and part-ownership housing.
Read more about the entitlement criteria for housing allowance. - General housing allowance is affected by several factors, such as your income and your housing costs
You can get housing allowance if your income does not exceed the income limit for your municipality. Only part of your housing costs are taken into account when calculating your housing allowance.
Read more about the factors that affect the housing allowance. - Use an online calculator to estimate your benefits
Because there are several factors that affect the housing allowance, the easiest way to get an estimate is to use our calculator.
Go to the calculator. - Apply for housing allowance
You can apply for housing allowance either on a form or in the OmaKela e-service.
Read more about how to apply for housing allowance.
Looking for these?
What else is going on in your life?
Are you about to move?
Moving may affect the amount of Kela benefits you can get. Your benefits may also be affected if someone else moves in with you.
Are you unemployed?
If you are unemployed, you can get basic unemployment allowance or labour market subsidy.
When money is tight
If you have a very low income despite receiving other benefits from Kela, find out if you are eligible for social assistance.