Persons arriving from Ukraine have a right to most Kela benefits. This requires either that Kela considers them to be living in Finland permanently or that they are working in Finland and their pay is at last EUR 741.75 per month.
Temporary protection
Just like asylum seekers, persons who apply for and receive temporary protection have a right to stay at the reception centre and to receive the services available there. For example, they have access to healthcare and necessary social services, they get a reception allowance, and their essential subsistence is guaranteed. They also have the option to arrange their accommodation independently. Persons under temporary protection have a right to work and to study.
As to persons who have been granted temporary protection, who moved to Finland after the start of the war in Ukraine and who do not have existing ties to Finland, the basic rule is that they are not eligible for Kela benefits. Persons who have been granted temporary protection may be eligible for the residence-based benefits available from Kela, if Kela considers their residence in Finland to be of a permanent nature. This is based on an overall assessment of each person’s circumstances.
Kela can consider someone to be living permanently in Finland if
- a family member (spouse/partner or under-age child) is already living in Finland
- they have lived in Finland previously
- they will work or study in Finland for at least two years.
There may also be an entitlement to Kela benefits for someone who works in Finland and is paid at least EUR 741.75 per month.
Asylum seekers are covered by the reception services
Persons who arrive in Finland and apply for asylum come within the scope of the so-called reception services. The reception centre secures their livelihood and provides them with access to other services while their residence permit application is being reviewed. Asylum seekers are not eligible for Kela benefits.
If a person has not applied for asylum or temporary protection and therefore cannot secure a livelihood with the help of the reception services, they have a right to at least the essential part of basic social assistance should they need financial support. The essential part of basic social assistance covers food and necessary prescription medicines, which are made available on a voucher. However, they must first explore other possibilities for securing a livelihood, such as using savings or money transfers.
Read more: