Interpreter list for the interpreter service | Our Services | KelaSkip to content

Personal interpreter list

The personal interpreter list is a list of interpreters to whom your bookings are primarily forwarded. The interpreter list is intended to ensure that you receive high-quality, comprehensive and well-functioning interpreter service. You can choose whether to use an interpreter list or not.

If you use an interpreter list, you can also tell Kela that no other interpreters than the interpreters on your list can be assigned to your bookings. In such a case, Kela only looks for available interpreters from your interpreter list. No other interpreters are suggested for your booking if none of the interpreters on your list is available.

Interpreters for certain purposes

You may only have one personal interpreter list. However, you may specify if you wish to use certain interpreters for certain purposes or situations (for example work, hobbies or remote interpretation).

You can also decide to use a specific interpreter for work or recreational purposes only. Interpreters who have been indicated for work-related assignments will not be referred for other types of assignments.

If your list only includes interpreters who have been indicated for certain needs, an interpreter who is not included on your list will be referred for other types of assignments. Off-list interpreters will be assigned also if a suitable interpreter cannot be found on your list and you have not denied the use of off-list interpreters.

If you do not wish to, you do not have to indicate certain interpreters for hobbies or for work-related assignments. You can proceed to use the interpreter list as before, that is, the interpreters on your list can be referred for all your assignments.

You compile the list together with Kela. If you wish, you can add interpreters to the list or remove interpreters from the list. The interpreter can also request to be removed from the list.

Updating the interpreter list

If you wish to update your personal interpreter list, do as follows:

  • Find out more about the service providers in your area (in Finnish). Information about interpreters is available on the service providers’ websites.
  • You can suggest interpreters operating in or near your home municipality to your list.
  • If you regularly need interpreter service outside your place of residence, you can suggest an interpreter who works near the place where you need interpreter service.
  • State if you wish to use a certain interpreter for a specific purpose only. You can name one of the interpreters that you have suggested for instance for participation in working life or for hobbies.
  • Suggest interpreters for inclusion on your personal interpreter list. Fill out the customer information form or contact the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled.
  • The Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled can also suggest interpreters for you.

Before you start using the interpreter list

  • The Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled checks that the interpreters you have suggested are suitable specifically for your needs and can be included on your list.
  • If an interpreter you have suggested is not suitable, the Centre will contact you so that you can work together to find suitable interpreters for your list.
  • The Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled checks with the interpreters that you have suggested to make sure that they are available.
  • You will receive written information about the interpreters that are included in your list.

No interpreter list is compiled for studies. Learn more about getting interpreter services for students.

Service areas

Interpreter services are provided in six different areas: Uusimaa, Western, Central, Eastern, Pohjanmaa and Northern. They are aligned with the provincial borders. Find out your area (PDF, in Finnish).

The general rule is that an interpreter will be found in or near your home municipality or near the place where you need interpretation. If you live near the border between two areas, you can also get an interpreter from the neighbouring area. If you regularly need interpreter service outside your place of residence, you can suggest an interpreter who works near the place where you need interpreter service.

If you do not want an interpreter list

If you do not want an interpreter list, a suitable interpreter will be assigned to you who works near the place where you need interpreter service.

If you need interpreter service for a family occasion, you can yourself suggest an interpreter.

Such occasions include

  • your own or your close family member’s wedding, confirmation, or high school or other graduation
  • the funeral of a close family member
  • your child’s baptism or naming ceremony
  • childbirth or pregnancy-related medical examinations and maternity clinic visits

A stand-by list of interpreters can be set up for you in advance of childbirth. Your spouse/partner can also book an interpreter for childbirth and related medical checks.

If you have questions, please contact the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled.

Read more