Kansaneläkelaitos (Kela)

Sometimes people cannot cope by themselves and require support from society. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kela, is responsible for providing basic social security to people living in Finland. Kela activities are funded by tax income. More information on Who is Entitled to Social Security can be found on the Kela website.

Kela also provides labour market support and statutory sick pay. Different authorities work in cooperation with each other. For example, unemployed people cannot turn to Kela for unemployment benefit unless they are registered as customers of the Employment Agency.

The Kela website contains information on where to find Your Nearest Kela Office. Select the name of your locality from the list.

The Kela website has more information on the services of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland in English, Finnish, and Swedish.