Elatustuki (Child Maintenance Support)

Detailed explanation

In Finland, both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially. When parents separate, the non-custodial parent typically pays child maintenance (elatusapu) as agreed between the parents or determined by a court. However, when the paying parent fails to meet this obligation, pays less than the minimum amount, or cannot be identified, Kela steps in with elatustuki.

Kela pays the maintenance allowance directly to the custodial parent and then seeks to recover the amount from the non-custodial parent. If the agreed maintenance is lower than the full elatustuki amount, Kela may pay the difference as a supplement.

How it affects expats

• •Single parents: If you are a single parent in Finland and the other parent does not pay maintenance, you can apply for elatustuki

• •Cross-border situations: If the other parent lives abroad, Kela can still pay elatustuki while pursuing maintenance through international agreements

• •Application: Apply through Kela online

• •you will need documentation of the maintenance agreement or court order

• •Not income-tested: Elatustuki is paid regardless of the custodial parent's income

• •Custody arrangements: Joint custody arrangements may affect eligibility depending on where the child primarily lives

Key details

• •Full amount: Approximately €187/month per child (2026)

• •Supplement: If agreed maintenance is below the full amount, Kela may pay the difference

• •Recovery: Kela seeks repayment from the non-custodial parent when possible

• •Duration: Paid until the child turns 18

• •Application: Online through kela.fi or at a Kela office

Related terms

• •Lapsilisä (Child Benefit) — monthly child allowance

• •Kela — Finland's social insurance institution

• •Toimeentulotuki (Social Assistance) — last-resort financial aid