How to apply for a child increase to a pension

• To apply for a child increase, fill in the relevant application (form EV 264 in Finnish). Send it to Kela or submit it to any Kela's customer service points.
• Enclose proof of payment or other evidence showing that you pay child support or otherwise contribute financially to your child's well-being, if your child does not live with you.

Application period

Apply for the child increase at the same time as you apply for a pension. If you choose to apply for it later, remember that the application can backdated for up to 6 months only.

• Use Kela's online service (in Finnish or Swedish) to see whether your application has been decided and when the benefit will be paid out.
• For information about how long the handling of an application usually takes, see Application processing times and inquiries.

Notification of changes and end of payment

Child increase recipients must notify Kela of any changes in child care arrangements.

Payment will end automatically at the beginning of the month following the child's 16th birthday.