Lapsilisä (Child Benefit)

Detailed explanation

Lapsilisä is paid to the parent or guardian of each child from the month after birth until the child turns 17. The amount increases with the number of children in the family: the first child receives a base amount, and each subsequent child receives a higher amount. Single parents receive a supplement for each child. The benefit is paid monthly; the payment date varies, so check Kela's payment dates.

Finland's child benefit system reflects the country's commitment to supporting families and ensuring children's welfare universally. It is one of several family benefits available through Kela, alongside parental allowances, child home care allowance, and private day care allowance.

How it affects expats

• Eligibility: If your child lives in Finland and is covered by Finnish social security, you are entitled to lapsilisä, but it is not paid automatically: you must apply
• Registration required: Your child must be registered in the Finnish Population Information System (DVV) and have a Finnish personal identity code
• EU coordination: If one parent works in another EU country, benefits may be coordinated between countries to avoid double payment
• Application: Apply through Kela after your child is born or after moving to Finland
• apply through OmaKela or form LL1e within 6 months of the date you want payment to start

• Single parent supplement: If you are a single parent, you receive an additional amount per child

Key details

• 1st child: €94.88/month
• 2nd child: €104.84/month
• 3rd child: €133.79/month
• 4th child: €173.24/month
• 5th and each additional child: €192.69/month
• Single parent supplement: €73.30/child/month extra
• Children under 3: extra €26/month per child
• Tax-free: Lapsilisä is not counted as taxable income

Related terms

• Kela: Finland's social insurance institution

• Elatustuki (Child Maintenance Support): maintenance allowance

• Neuvola (Child Health Clinic): maternity and child health services