Government proposes changes to child home care allowance starting 1 January 2027

What would change in the child home care allowance?

If Parliament approves the Government proposal, only parents who have lived in Finland or in an EU or EEA country for at least three years would be eligible for the allowance. The period of residence would be calculated starting from the date on which the applicant reaches the age of 16. The change would also apply to Finnish citizens.

In addition, according to the Government proposal, child home care allowance would only be available to parents who look after their child themselves. Currently, the child's caregiver can also be another person.

When are the proposed changes intended to enter into force?

If the proposal is approved by Parliament, the changes will come into effect on 1 January 2027. The three-year residence requirement would apply to situations where the move to Finland took place after the Act entered into force on or after 1 January 2027.

What do I need to do if I have applied for child home care allowance?

The proposed legislative amendments have not yet been approved by Parliament. You do not have to contact us about this.

If the proposal is approved by Parliament, the changes will come into effect on 1 January 2027. Previously granted periods of child home care allowance would be paid out until the end of the payment period. The changes would only be taken into account in follow-up applications and new applications.

We will provide more information on any changes and their timing once Parliament has reviewed the government proposal.
 

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Link to Government proposal in Finnish (stm.fi)
Child home care allowance (kela.fi)