Kela is mandated by its governing Act to produce statistics, projections and estimates. Kela produces the statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners, and the production of the statistics is funded annually out of the Kela budget.
1 Relevance of statistical information
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners contain data on the allowance payments made by Kela. They provide statistical information about the recipients, their dwellings and housing costs, and the expenditure on housing allowances for pensioners.
Statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are compiled using the following units: recipients of housing allowance for pensioners at the statistical reference time point, data about dwellings and the amount of housing allowance, and benefit expenditure during the statistical reference period. The following classifications are used when compiling the statistics: general demographic, dwelling and regional classifications.
The statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are aimed at decision-makers, policy planners, researchers, organizations and professionals active in social security and housing policy.
Feedback from users is collected and used for the further development of the statistics. The contents of the statistics and the usability of the data are evaluated in cooperation with various experts.
2 Accuracy and reliability of data
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners is based on a complete dataset on the allowance payments made by Kela.
This statistic is compiled from an individual-level dataset on housing allowances for pensioners. It is produced from the benefit system for housing allowances for pensioners, which includes all of the data created and processed during the implementation of the housing allowance scheme. The dataset includes all persons who during a certain statistical reference period received housing allowance for pensioners from Kela.
The monetary data values presented in Kela’s benefit statistics are matched monthly and yearly to accounting records.
Any errors detected are corrected immediately in accordance with the publication recommendations issued by the Advisory Board of the Official Statistics of Finland. Any errors discovered in the online service are corrected and the erroneous information is removed.
3 Timeliness and promptness of published data
Up-to-date monthly and annual statistics are published in the Kelasto statistical database. The monthly statistics are available by the end of the month following the reference month, and the annual statistics within two months of the end of the reference year. The annual statistical survey is published by the end of August following the reference year. The publication dates of statistical publications can be found in the publication calendar.
The statistics published are final.
4 Coherence and comparability of data
Information about the housing allowance for pensioners is available since 1971. In 1984 the structure of the allowance was changed as the costs for heating, water and maintenance were determined according to fixed charges laid down by the Government and the basic deductible was set at the same amount for everyone. The statistical units are comparable from 1984.
The Act on housing allowance for pensioners took effect in 2008. The housing allowance for pensioners was no longer categorised as a pension benefit and at the same time the benefit received its current Finnish name. The entitlement to housing allowance for pensioners was extended to include also other survivors’ pensions than those provided by Kela. The housing costs for children aged under 18 years (previously under 16 years) who live int he same household and for the person who mainly cares for the benefit recipient are taken into account when determining the housing allowance.
In 2015 the housing allowance for pensioners was linked to the receipt of a pension. Previously everyone who had reached the age of 65 years was entitled to housing allowance for pensioners. The right to choose between general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners was also abolished. For instance all families with children changed to the general housing allowance scheme in connection with the next adjustment of the allowance in 2015–2016.
A comparison between the different types of housing allowance is restricted by different definitions of family and household. General housing allowance is paid to the household as represented by the main breadwinner, whereas other housing allowances are granted to individual recipients. The background information regarding the home and the definitions of income differ somewhat. The availability of data on recipients of housing supplement for students is restricted. The monetary amounts of housing allowance paid out are comparable.
Regional classifications in general use and classifications suited for housing are used for the statistics.
5 Accessibility and clarity of data
Monthly and annual statistics are available in the Kelasto. Annual statistical survey is published online in Finnish and Swedish.
Metadata for the statistics on housing allowance are available in the Kelasto. More extensive metadata are available from the contact person for a particular set of statistics.
The data underlying the statistics may be released to government authorities and to researchers.
Additional information:
Kela is mandated by its governing Act to produce statistics, projections and estimates. Kela produces the statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners, and the production of the statistics is funded annually out of the Kela budget.
1 Relevance of statistical information
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners contain data on the allowance payments made by Kela. They provide statistical information about the recipients, their dwellings and housing costs, and the expenditure on housing allowances for pensioners.
Statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are compiled using the following units: recipients of housing allowance for pensioners at the statistical reference time point, data about dwellings and the amount of housing allowance, and benefit expenditure during the statistical reference period. The following classifications are used when compiling the statistics: general demographic, dwelling and regional classifications.
The statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are aimed at decision-makers, policy planners, researchers, organizations and professionals active in social security and housing policy.
Feedback from users is collected and used for the further development of the statistics. The contents of the statistics and the usability of the data are evaluated in cooperation with various experts.
2 Accuracy and reliability of data
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners is based on a complete dataset on the allowance payments made by Kela.
This statistic is compiled from an individual-level registry on housing allowances for pensioners. It is produced from the benefit system for housing allowances for pensioners, which includes all of the data created and processed during the implementation of the housing allowance scheme. The statistics register includes all persons who during a certain statistical reference period received housing allowance for pensioners from Kela.
The monetary data values presented in Kela's benefit statistics are matched monthly and yearly to accounting records.
Any errors detected are corrected immediately in accordance with the publication recommendations issued by the Advisory Board of the Official Statistics of Finland. Any errors discovered in the online service are corrected and the erroneous information is removed.
3 Timeliness and promptness of published data
Up-to-date monthly and annual statistics are published in the Kelasto statistical database. The monthly statistics are available by the end of the month following the reference month, and the annual statistics within two months of the end of the reference year. The annual statistics are published by the end of August following the reference year. The publication dates can be found in the publication calendar.
The statistics published are final.
4 Coherence and comparability of data
Information about the housing allowance for pensioners is available since 1971. In 1984 the structure of the allowance was changed as the costs for heating, water and maintenance were determined according to fixed charges laid down by the Government and the basic deductible was set at the same amount for everyone. The statistical units are comparable from 1984.
The Act on housing allowance for pensioners took effect in 2008. The housing allowance for pensioners was no longer categorised as a pension benefit and at the same time the benefit received its current Finnish name. The entitlement to housing allowance for pensioners was extended to include also other survivors’ pensions than those provided by Kela. The housing costs for children aged under 18 years (previously under 16 years) who live in the same household and for the person who mainly cares for the benefit recipient are taken into account when determining the housing allowance.
In 2015 the housing allowance for pensioners was linked to the receipt of a pension. Previously everyone who had reached the age of 65 years was entitled to housing allowance for pensioners. The right to choose between general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners was also abolished. For instance all families with children changed to the general housing allowance scheme in connection with the next adjustment of the allowance in 2015–2016.
A comparison between the different types of housing allowance is restricted by different definitions of family and household. General housing allowance is paid to the household as represented by the main breadwinner, whereas other housing allowances are granted to individual recipients. The background information regarding the home and the definitions of income differ somewhat. The availability of data on recipients of housing supplement for students is restricted. The monetary amounts of housing allowance paid out are comparable.
Regional classifications in general use and classifications suited for housing are used for the statistics.
5 Accessibility and clarity of data
Monthly and annual statistics are available in the Kelasto. Annual statistics are published online (see Statistical publications)
Metadata for the statistics on housing allowance are available in the Kelasto. More extensive metadata are available from the contact person for a particular set of statistics.
The data underlying the statistics may be released to government authorities and to researchers. Requests for individual-level data should be addressed to tietopyynnot@kela.fi, and requests for statistical information to tilastot@kela.fi.
Kela is mandated by its governing Act to produce statistics, projections and estimates. Kela produces the statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners, and the production of the statistics is funded annually out of the Kela budget.
1 Relevance of statistical information
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners contain data on the allowance payments made by Kela. They provide statistical information about the recipients, their dwellings and housing costs, and the expenditure on housing allowances for pensioners. Together with the statistics on the general housing allowance, the housing supplement for students and the housing assistance for conscripts, they present an overall view of means-tested housing benefits.
Statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are compiled using the following units: recipients of housing allowance for pensioners at the statistical reference time point, data about dwellings and the amount of housing allowance, and benefit expenditure during the statistical reference period. The following classifications are used when compiling the statistics: general demographic, dwelling and regional classifications.
The statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are aimed at decision-makers, policy planners, researchers, organizations and professionals active in social security and housing policy.
Feedback from users is collected and used for the further development of the statistics. The contents of the statistics and the usability of the data are also evaluated by the statistics cooperation group for housing allowance, which includes users of the statistics as members.
2 Accuracy and reliability of data
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners is based on a complete dataset on the allowance payments made by Kela.
This statistic is compiled from an individual-level registry on housing allowances for pensioners. It is produced from the benefit system for housing allowances for pensioners, which includes all of the data created and processed during the implementation of the housing allowance scheme. The statistics register includes all persons who during a certain statistical reference period received housing allowance for pensioners from Kela.
The monetary data values presented in Kela's benefit statistics are matched monthly and yearly to accounting records.
Any errors detected are corrected immediately in accordance with the publication recommendations issued by the Advisory Board of the Official Statistics of Finland. Any errors discovered in the online service are corrected and the erroneous information is removed.
3 Timeliness and promptness of published data
Up-to-date monthly and annual statistics are published in the Kelasto statistical database. The monthly statistics are available by the end of the month following the reference month, and the annual statistics within two months of the end of the reference year. The annual statistics are published by the end of August following the reference year. The publication dates can be found in the publication calendar.
The statistics published are final.
4 Coherence and comparability of data
Information about the housing allowance for pensioners is available since 1971. In 1984 the structure of the allowance was changed as the costs for heating, water and maintenance were determined according to fixed charges laid down by the Government and the basic deductible was set at the same amount for everyone. The statistical units are comparable from 1984.
The Act on housing allowance for pensioners took effect in 2008. The housing allowance for pensioners was no longer categorised as a pension benefit and at the same time the benefit received its current Finnish name. The entitlement to housing allowance for pensioners was extended to include also other survivors’ pensions than those provided by Kela. The housing costs for children aged under 18 years (previously under 16 years) who live int he same household and for the person who mainly cares for the benefit recipient are taken into account when determining the housing allowance.
In 2015 the housing allowance for pensioners was linked to the receipt of a pension. Previously everyone who had reached the age of 65 years was entitled to housing allowance for pensioners. The right to choose between general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners was also abolished. For instance all families with children changed to the general housing allowance scheme in connection with the next adjustment of the allowance in 2015–2016.
A comparison between the different types of housing allowance is restricted by different definitions of family and household. General housing allowance is paid to the household as represented by the main breadwinner, whereas other housing allowances are granted to individual recipients. The background information regarding the home and the definitions of income differ somewhat. The availability of data on recipients of housing supplement for students is restricted. The monetary amounts of housing allowance paid out are comparable.
Regional classifications in general use and classifications suited for housing are used for the statistics.
The legislative changes regarding the housing allowance for pensioners are described in the appendix to Kela’s Statistical Yearbook.
5 Accessibility and clarity of data
Monthly and annual statistics are available in the Kelasto. Annual statistics are published online (see Statistical publications)
Metadata for the statistics on housing allowance are available in the Kelasto. More extensive metadata are available from the contact person for a particular set of statistics.
The data underlying the statistics may be released to government authorities and to researchers. Requests for data should be addressed to tietopyynnot@kela.fi, and requests for statistical data to tilastot@kela.fi.
- Relevance of statistical information
- Accuracy and reliability of data
- Timeliness and promptness of data
- Coherence and comparability of data
- Accessibility and clarity of data
The statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are compiled by the Statistics and Data Warehousing Section of Kela’s Information and Communications Unit. Kela is mandated by its governing Act to produce statistics, projections and estimates. According to Kela’s rules of procedure, the Information and Communications Unit is responsible for compiling statistics related to the social security system administrated by Kela and the implementation of benefit schemes.
The statistics are funded annually out of the individual budget of Kela.
1 Relevance of statistical information
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners contain data on the allowance payments made by Kela. They provide statistical information about the recipients, their housing circumstances and housing costs, and the expenditure on housing allowances for pensioners. Together with the statistics on the general housing allowance, the housing supplement for students and the housing assistance for conscripts, they present an overall view of means-tested housing benefits.
The statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are aimed at decision-makers, policy planners, researchers, organisations and professionals active in social security and housing policy.
Statistics on housing allowance for pensioners are compiled using the following units: recipients of housing allowance for pensioners at the statistical reference time point, data about housing and the amount of housing allowance, and benefit expenditure during the statistical reference period. The following classifications are used when compiling the statistics: general demographic, housing and regional classifications.
Feedback from users is collected and used for the further development of the statistics. The contents of the statistics and the usability of the data are also evaluated by the statistics cooperation group for housing allowances, which includes users of the statistics as members.
2 Accuracy and reliability of data
The statistics on the housing allowance for pensioners are based on a complete dataset of the allowance payments made by Kela.
These statistics are compiled from an individual-level registry on housing allowance for pensioners. They are produced from the benefit system for housing allowance for pensioners, which includes all of the data created and processed during the implementation of the housing allowance scheme. The statistics register includes all persons who during a certain statistical reference period received housing allowance for pensioners from Kela.
The monetary data values presented in Kela's benefit statistics are matched monthly and yearly to accounting records.
Any errors detected are corrected immediately in accordance with the release guidelines issued by the Advisory Board of the Official Statistics of Finland. Any errors discovered in the online service are corrected and the erroneous information is removed.
3 Timeliness and promptness of data
Published monthly and yearly. Monthly statistics are published in the month following the statistical reference month. Annual statistics are released by the middle of the following year. Publication dates can be found in the release calendar.
The statistics published are final.
4 Coherence and comparability of data
Information about the housing allowance for pensioners is available since 1971. In 1984 the structure of the allowance was changed as the costs for heating, water and maintenance were determined according to fixed charges laid down by the Government and the basic deductible was set at the same amount for everyone. The statistical units are comparable from 1984.
The Act on housing allowance for pensioners took effect at the beginning of 2008. The housing allowance for pensioners was no longer categorised as a pension benefit and at the same time the benefit received its current Finnish name. The entitlement to housing allowance for pensioners was extended to include also other survivors’ pensions than those provided by Kela. The housing costs for children aged under 18 years (previously under 16 years) who live in the same household and for the person who mainly cares for the benefit recipient are taken into account when determining the housing allowance.
In 2015 the housing allowance for pensioners was linked to the receipt of a pension. Previously everyone who had reached the age of 65 years was entitled to housing allowance for pensioners. The right to choose between general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners was also abolished. For instance all families with children changed to the general housing allowance scheme in connection with the following adjustment of the allowance in 2015–2016.
Comparisons between the different types of housing allowance are restricted by different definitions of family and household. General housing allowance is paid to the household as represented by the main breadwinner, whereas other housing allowances are granted to individual recipients. The background information regarding the home and the definitions of income also differ somewhat. The availability of data on recipients of housing supplement for students is restricted. The monetary amounts of housing allowance paid out are comparable.
Regional classifications in general use and classifications suited for housing are used for the statistics.
The legislative changes regarding the housing allowance for pensioners are described in Kela’s Statistical Yearbook (supplement to the Yearbook).
5 Accessibility and clarity of data
Statistics on housing allowances provided by Kela and the contact information are published online.
The classifications used in the annual statistics are described in chapter 4 of the statistics. Metadata for the statistics on housing allowances are available on Kela’s website from the statistical database Kelasto. More extensive metadata are available from the contact person for a particular set of statistics.
Inquiries concerning the external use of the underlying data should be directed to Kela’s Statistics and Data Warehousing Section. Their contact information can be found on the description page of the statistics.