Toimeentulotuki (Social Assistance)

Detailed explanation

Toimeentulotuki consists of three components: basic social assistance (perustoimeentulotuki), supplementary social assistance (täydentävä toimeentulotuki), and preventive social assistance (ehkäisevä toimeentulotuki). Basic social assistance is handled by Kela, while the supplementary and preventive forms are managed by your municipality's social services.

The basic amount is intended to cover everyday necessities such as food, clothing, minor healthcare costs, local transport, telephone, and personal hygiene. Housing costs (rent, water, heating) are covered separately. Kela calculates your entitlement by comparing your income and assets against the recognized expenses — the difference is paid as toimeentulotuki.

How it affects expats

• •Eligibility: Available to residents of Finland with a municipality of residence (kotikunta), but may affect residence permit renewal for non-EU citizens

• •Residence permit risk: Reliance on social assistance can negatively impact residence permit applications or renewals

• •consult Migri guidelines

• •Application: Apply online through Kela's service or visit a Kela office; documents in English are often accepted

• •Asset test: Kela considers your savings and assets

• •you may need to use savings before qualifying

• •Temporary support: Intended as short-term help, not a long-term income source

Key details

• •Basic amount (2026): Approximately €555/month for a single person living alone

• •Housing costs: Rent and essential housing expenses covered separately up to reasonable limits

• •Healthcare costs: Necessary medical expenses can be included

• •Application: Monthly via Kela's online service (kela.fi)

• •Processing time: Typically 7 business days

Related terms

• •Kela — Finland's social insurance institution

• •Asumistuki (Housing Allowance) — Kela housing benefit

• •Työmarkkinatuki (Labor Market Subsidy) — unemployment support