Families

Kela provides many benefits for families with children. This quick guide explains the benefits that could be relevant for you.

See the quick guide for families with children

When pregnant and with a newborn

Maternity grant
You can choose between a maternity package and a €170 cash benefit.
The determination of parental allowances will change
Starting from 1 January 2020 the allowance for parents is determined on the basis of an annual income.
Maternity allowance
Maternity allowance is paid for about 4 months during the maternity leave.
Paternity allowance
Paternity allowance is paid for about 9 weeks during the paternity leave.
Parental allowance
Either the mother or father can take a parental leave.
Child benefit
Child benefit is paid for children under the age of 17.

Child care allowances

Child home care allowance
Mother or father looks after the child at home.
Private day care allowance
Child under school age is looked after by a caregiver paid by the family or a private day care provider.
Flexible care allowance
Parent works up to 30 hours a week, using the remaining time to look after a child under 3 years of age.
Partial care allowance
Parent works up to 30 hours a week, using the remaining time to look after a child in the 1st or 2nd year of school.

Other situations

When a child is ill
Assistance may be available from Kela when a child is ill or has a disability.
Child maintenance allowance
Maintenance payments provided in the event that a parent does not pay child support.
Exemption from child support debt
For situations where temporary financial difficulties make it impossible to pay back child support debt being collected by Kela.
Diverse families
Family structure may affect the eligibility conditions and duration of payment of certain family benefits.
Adoption grant
Adoption grant for international adoption.