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National pension, earnings-related pension or both?

The Finnish pension system consists of two parts: earnings-related pensions paid by authorised pension providers and pensions paid by Kela. Pension benefits are paid when one’s ability to work decreases, one reaches retirement age, or one’s family member dies.

Pensions provide economic security in the event of old age, disability and late-career unemployment. Pensions are paid by authorised pension providers and by Kela.

  • The authorised pension providers pay out pensions that are based on employment or self-employment. The earnings-related pension benefits include old-age pensions and disability pensions.
  • Kela pays the national pensions. The national pension benefits include old-age pensions and disability pensions. Kela can also pay you a guarantee pension. You can apply for pensions from Kela if your other pensions and compensations do not exceed the income limits for the national pension or the guarantee pension, or if you have not accrued any earnings-related pension.

If you have worked in some other country besides Finland, you may also be eligible for a pension from abroad.

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