Asumistuki (housing allowance)
Kela's general housing allowance that helps low-income residents in Finland cover their rent or housing costs.
Detailed explanation
The general housing allowance covers a portion of reasonable housing costs, including rent, water charges, and heating. Kela calculates the allowance based on your household income, the number of people in your household, your municipality, and the amount of your housing costs up to a maximum limit. The benefit covers up to 70% of the accepted housing costs minus a basic deductible based on income.
The allowance is reviewed annually, but you must report any significant changes in income or household composition to Kela promptly. If your circumstances change and you fail to report, you may be required to repay excess benefits. Since 2024, the calculation model has been updated and the income thresholds have been adjusted.
How it affects expats
- Widely available: Open to all residents with a Finnish municipality of residence, including EU citizens and those with valid residence permits
- Students: As a rule, students cannot get general housing allowance; most apply for the student housing supplement (part of student financial aid) instead. Exceptions include living with your own or your partner's child, or having used up or suspended your student financial aid
- Income-based: Part-time or low-income workers can still qualify
- earnings reduce the benefit gradually rather than cutting it off
- Shared housing: Housing allowance is paid per household. Roommates with separate rental agreements or subleases are separate households and each applies for their own share; roommates under a joint rental agreement form one household, and one member applies on behalf of all
- Residence permit: Receiving asumistuki generally does not negatively affect residence permit renewals, unlike toimeentulotuki
Key details
- Coverage: Up to 70% of accepted housing costs after deductible
- Maximum rent limits: Vary by municipality
- Helsinki has the highest accepted limits
- Application: Online through Kela's service at kela.fi
- Payment: Monthly, directly to your bank account
- Review: Annually, with obligation to report changes promptly
Related terms
- Kela: the Social Insurance Institution of Finland
- Toimeentulotuki (Social Assistance): last-resort financial aid
- Vuokra-asunto (Rental Apartment): renting in Finland