Some applications wait for decision from Parliament
Some Kela customers have now had to wait for a decision on their application longer than usual. If Parliament finalises the consideration of the proposed legislation on a freezing of the index during this week, Kela can issue decisions starting next week.
Kela cannot decide on benefit applications where the benefit is granted or reviewed as from 1 January 2024 or later until the legislation concerning the benefits has been considered by Parliament.
For instance decisions on daily allowances for parents and housing allowances cannot yet be made, because Parliament is still considering the proposed legislation on a freezing of the index. If Parliament finalises the consideration of the proposed legislation this week, Kela can issue decisions starting next week.
The Government has given a proposal, according to which normal index adjustments will not be made to some Kela benefits nor to the rules for determining the housing allowances as from 1 January 2024. The proposed freezing of the index is intended to be temporary and in effect in 2024-2027. Changes are also proposed to the Act on the Child Benefit and the Act on Housing Allowance for Pensioners.
If the second reading in Parliament of the proposed legislation on a freezing of the index is held at the latest on Friday 15 December, Kela will make the necessary changes to the data systems on Saturday 16 December. After that Kela can make benefit decisions that take effect on 1 January 2024 or later.
This situation concerns especially the following Kela benefits:
- housing benefits (general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners)
- daily allowances for parents
- child care allowances
- child benefit
If the consideration of the proposal is postponed further, Kela will inform about the effects of the delay again on Monday 18 January.
The delay does not affect the payment of benefits in current payment. New benefits awarded as from 1 January 2024 will not be paid out until a decision has been reached.