You’ve been in Finland for 12 months. The reception center allowance of roughly EUR 300 per month kept you going, but now you’re registering a municipality, getting a henkilötunnus (personal identity code), and suddenly the word “Kela” is everywhere. Your Finnish friend says “apply for asumistuki,” your social worker mentions “toimeentulotuki,” and you’re nodding along while having no idea what any of that means or which of your Ukrainian documents need to be translated to get these benefits. Let’s sort it out from the beginning.
What Kela actually is (and what it’s not)¶
Kela - short for Kansaneläkelaitos, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland - is the government agency that handles most social benefits in the country. Think of it as Finland’s social security system, but broader than what most countries call “social security.”
Here’s what Kela covers:
- Asumistuki - housing allowance
- Lapsilisä - child benefit
- Toimeentulotuki - basic social assistance (last resort financial help)
- Sairauspäiväraha - sickness allowance
- Äitiysavustus - maternity grant
- Unemployment benefits (partly - together with TE Office)
- Pensions (national pension, guarantee pension)
- Student financial aid
- Rehabilitation benefits
Here’s what Kela does NOT cover: healthcare. In Finland, healthcare is handled by wellbeing services counties (hyvinvointialueet) and municipalities, not by Kela. If you need a doctor, you go to a health center (terveyskeskus), not to Kela. Kela handles the money side of things - who pays for your apartment, who sends you the child benefit, who covers you when you’re sick and can’t work.
This is a common point of confusion. In many countries, social security and healthcare are bundled together. In Finland, they’re separate systems with separate registration processes.
Who qualifies: the 12-month rule¶
This is the part that trips up most Ukrainians in Finland.
When you first arrived under temporary protection, you were placed in the reception center system. The reception center (vastaanottokeskus) provided you with a basic allowance - roughly EUR 300 per month for a single adult - plus housing and meals if you stayed in the center. This is managed by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), not by Kela.
During that first year, you don’t have access to Kela benefits. You’re in the reception system, which is a completely separate track.
After 12 months of living in Finland, things change. You become eligible to register a municipality of residence (kotikunta) with DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency). Once you have a municipality, you enter the Finnish social security system - and that means Kela.
Here’s the step-by-step logic:
- You live in Finland for 12 months under temporary protection
- You register your municipality at DVV
- You get (or already have) a henkilötunnus - your personal identity code
- You apply for a Kela card
- You can now apply for Kela benefits
There’s an important nuance: registering a municipality isn’t automatic. You need to actively go to DVV and do it. Nobody will send you a letter saying “congratulations, you now qualify for Kela.” You have to take the initiative. DVV has information about foreigner registration on their website.
The exception for workers¶
If you’re already working in Finland, some Kela benefits kick in earlier. The key one is sickness allowance (sairauspäiväraha): if your monthly salary is at least EUR 800.02, you can get sickness allowance even before the 12-month mark. Your employer reports your income to the tax authority, and Kela can verify it.
But for the main benefits - housing allowance, child benefit, social assistance - you still need that municipality registration, which means waiting for the 12-month mark.
What you need from DVV¶
When you go to DVV to register your municipality, bring:
- Your passport or travel document
- Your temporary protection decision from Migri
- Proof that you’ve lived in Finland for 12 months (the Migri decision usually covers this)
- Your rental agreement or proof of address in the municipality
DVV will register you, and if you don’t already have one, they’ll issue a henkilötunnus. This is your key to everything in Finland - banking, Kela, taxes, healthcare.
How to register with Kela¶
Once you have a municipality and a henkilötunnus, here’s how to actually get into the Kela system.
Step 1: Apply for a Kela card¶
The Kela card (Kela-kortti) proves that you’re covered by Finnish social security. You can apply for it using form UA1ukr - that’s the Ukrainian-language version. Yes, Kela actually provides forms in Ukrainian, which is helpful. But the supporting documents still need to be in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
You can submit the application:
- Online through OmaKela (Kela’s online service) - you’ll need Finnish online banking credentials or a mobile certificate to log in
- By mail - print the form, fill it out, mail it
- In person at a Kela service point - bring your ID and documents
Step 2: Open a bank account¶
This sounds unrelated, but it’s critical. Kela pays all benefits directly to a Finnish bank account. No bank account = no payments. If you haven’t opened one yet, do it now. You’ll need your henkilötunnus and an ID document. Most banks accept temporary protection holders as customers, though some branches can be difficult about it.
Step 3: Apply for specific benefits¶
The Kela card application is just the first step. Each benefit has its own separate application. More on each benefit below.
Benefits breakdown: what you can get and how much¶
Let’s go through each major benefit with real numbers for 2026.
Lapsilisä (child benefit)¶
If you have children under 17, this is money the Finnish government pays you simply for having kids. No income test, no means test - every family gets it.
Monthly amounts (2026):
| Child | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 1st child | EUR 94.88 |
| 2nd child | EUR 104.84 |
| 3rd child | EUR 133.79 |
| 4th child | EUR 153.24 |
| 5th+ child | EUR 172.69 |
Children under 3 get an extra EUR 26 per month on top of these amounts.
Single parent supplement: EUR 73.30 per child per month. This is significant - for a single parent with two children, that’s an extra EUR 146.60 on top of the regular benefit.
How to apply: Form UA1ukr covers both the Kela card and child benefit. You’ll need your children’s birth certificates. If they’re in Ukrainian, they need to be translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English.
The child benefit is paid on the 26th of each month, automatically, until the child turns 17. You don’t need to reapply every year.
Asumistuki (housing allowance)¶
This is the benefit that makes the biggest difference in your monthly budget. Housing in Finland is expensive - especially in Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere. Housing allowance can cover a significant chunk of your rent.
How it works: Kela pays up to 70% of your reasonable housing costs, minus a deductible based on your income. “Reasonable housing costs” means Kela has maximum amounts depending on where you live and your household size.
Maximum recognized rent for Helsinki (2026):
| Household size | Max rent Kela considers |
|---|---|
| 1 person | EUR 563/month |
| 2 persons | EUR 744/month |
| 3 persons | EUR 896/month |
| 4+ persons | EUR 1,012/month |
If your actual rent is higher than these maximums, Kela only calculates based on the maximum. If your rent is lower, they calculate based on your actual rent.
In practice, a single person in Helsinki with no income might get around EUR 394 per month in housing allowance (70% of EUR 563). That won’t cover your whole rent, but it’s a substantial help.
Outside Helsinki, the maximums are lower. In Oulu or Kuopio, for example, a single person’s maximum might be around EUR 420. But rents are lower there too, so the math works out similarly.
What you need to apply (form AT1ukr):
- Rental agreement (vuokrasopimus) - this is the critical document
- Information about all household members’ income
- Bank account details
Your rental agreement needs to be in Finnish, Swedish, or English. If it’s in Ukrainian (unlikely for a Finnish apartment, but possible for subletting from another Ukrainian), you’ll need it translated.
Important detail: housing allowance is reviewed annually. If your income changes significantly, you’re required to report it to Kela. If you start working and your income goes up, your housing allowance will go down. Don’t forget this - overpayments get clawed back, and nobody enjoys that.
Toimeentulotuki (basic social assistance)¶
This is Finland’s benefit of last resort. If your other income and benefits aren’t enough to cover basic living expenses, toimeentulotuki fills the gap. It’s not something you apply for first - it’s what kicks in when everything else falls short.
Basic amount (from March 2026):
| Household type | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Single person | EUR 578.43 |
| Married/cohabiting, per person | EUR 491.67 |
| Child 10-17 years | EUR 404.90 |
| Child under 10 | EUR 358.02 |
Note: these amounts were cut by 2-3% in March 2026 as part of the government’s social security reform. Before March 2026, a single person received about EUR 595. The index freeze means these won’t increase until at least 2027.
What toimeentulotuki covers:
- Food and clothing
- Small healthcare costs
- Local transport
- Phone and internet
- Personal hygiene
- Household supplies
It does NOT automatically cover rent - that’s what housing allowance is for. But if housing allowance doesn’t cover your full rent and you have no other income, toimeentulotuki can help with the remainder.
To apply (form TO1ukr), you’ll need:
- Bank statements for the previous 2 months - all accounts, all banks
- Proof of all other income (Kela benefits, salary, any other money)
- Rental agreement
- Bills you can’t pay
The bank statement requirement is strict. Kela goes through your statements carefully. They check every incoming payment, every large transaction. If they see unexplained income - money from family abroad, for example - they’ll ask about it and it may reduce your benefit. Be transparent.
Rental deposit (TO2ukr): If you’re moving to a new apartment and need help with the deposit, there’s a separate application for that. The deposit is typically 1-2 months’ rent. Kela can cover this as part of toimeentulotuki if you meet the criteria.
Sairauspäiväraha (sickness allowance)¶
If you’re working in Finland and get sick for more than 10 days, sickness allowance replaces part of your lost income. This benefit has a specific eligibility requirement: your monthly salary must be at least EUR 800.02.
How it works:
- Your employer pays your salary for the first 1-9 sick days (depending on your employment contract)
- After the employer’s obligation period (omavastuuaika), Kela starts paying sickness allowance
- The amount depends on your annual income - roughly 70% of your daily salary for lower incomes, decreasing percentage for higher incomes
- Maximum duration: about 300 workdays (roughly 1 year)
You’ll need a medical certificate from your doctor specifying why you can’t work and for how long.
If your medical documents are from Ukraine - for example, if you got sick while visiting and have a Ukrainian hospital certificate - you’ll need that translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English before Kela will process it.
Äitiysavustus (maternity grant)¶
Every person giving birth or adopting a child in Finland receives a maternity grant. Starting from April 2026, the grant is EUR 210 (increased from EUR 170).
You can choose between:
- Cash - EUR 210 paid to your bank account
- Baby box (äitiyspakkaus) - a box full of baby clothes, blankets, hygiene products, and other essentials. The box itself doubles as a small bed. It’s a Finnish institution - the baby box has been around since 1938.
Most Finnish parents choose the box because its contents are worth more than EUR 210. If you’re having your first child in Finland, the baby box is genuinely useful and well thought out.
To get the maternity grant, you need to have a health check-up before the end of your fourth month of pregnancy. Apply through OmaKela.
Pensions¶
This is relevant for older Ukrainians. Finland’s national pension (kansaneläke) and guarantee pension (takuueläke) are available to people who’ve lived in Finland permanently for at least 3 years. If you arrived in 2022 under temporary protection, 2025 would be the earliest eligibility point - but only if you have a municipality of residence.
The guarantee pension in 2026 is about EUR 976 per month for a single person living alone. This is a baseline - if you have pension income from other countries (including Ukraine, though receiving Ukrainian pensions is complicated right now), the Finnish pension amount may be adjusted.
Pension issues involving foreign work history are complex and usually require translated employment records and pension documents from Ukraine.
Which documents need translation (and the authorized translator problem)¶
This is where things get complicated for Ukrainians. Kela accepts documents in three languages: Finnish, Swedish, and English. Anything in Ukrainian or Russian needs to be translated.
Documents you’ll likely need translated¶
- Birth certificates - for child benefit applications. Every child’s birth certificate needs translation.
- Marriage certificate - to prove your family status for housing allowance or social assistance calculations
- Income documents from Ukraine - if Kela asks about your financial situation before arriving in Finland
- Medical documents - for sickness allowance or disability-related claims
- Employment records - for pension calculations or if Kela needs to verify your work history
- Divorce decree - if relevant to your single-parent status (affects the EUR 73.30 supplement per child)
- Death certificate of a spouse - for survivor’s benefit calculations
The authorized translator situation¶
Finland uses a system called auktorisoitu kääntäjä (authorized translator) instead of the sworn translator system you might know from Germany or Poland. An authorized translator has passed a state exam and is registered in the official register at akr.opintopolku.fi.
Here’s the problem: as of 2026, there are only about 4 authorized translators registered for the Ukrainian-Finnish language pair. Four people for a community of tens of thousands of Ukrainians. That means long waiting times, limited availability, and sometimes higher prices due to demand.
The English workaround¶
Here’s a practical tip that saves many Ukrainians both time and money. Kela accepts documents in English. You don’t necessarily need a Finnish translation - an English translation works too.
Why does this matter? Because there are far more translators who can handle Ukrainian-to-English than Ukrainian-to-Finnish. Finding a qualified Ukrainian-English translator is much easier, often cheaper, and you won’t wait weeks for availability.
There’s a catch: an authorized translation (auktorisoitu käännös) under Finnish law requires one of the languages to be Finnish, Swedish, or Sami. So a Ukrainian-to-English translation can’t technically be an “authorized translation” in the Finnish legal sense.
In practice, Kela is generally more flexible than Migri about this. For benefit applications, Kela often accepts a professional certified translation into English, even if it’s not an “authorized translation” under the strict Finnish definition. But this can vary by office and by the individual clerk handling your case.
The safe approach:
- For Migri applications - always get a Finnish authorized translation
- For Kela benefit applications - a certified English translation usually works, but confirm with your local Kela office first
- For DVV registration - depends on the specific registration; ask DVV
If you need help figuring out which translation type your situation requires, ChatsControl can connect you with translators who handle both authorized Finnish translations and certified English translations for Ukrainian documents.
Translation costs¶
Expect to pay roughly EUR 40-80 per page (excluding VAT) for an authorized translation from Ukrainian to Finnish. For a certified translation to English, prices are often lower - around EUR 25-50 per page depending on the translator and document complexity.
A standard birth certificate is usually 1-2 pages. A marriage certificate is 1 page. Medical documents can run longer. Budget EUR 100-300 for a typical set of documents for a single Kela application.
How to apply: OmaKela and paper forms¶
Kela has made an effort to make the application process accessible for Ukrainians. Here’s what’s available.
OmaKela (online service)¶
OmaKela is Kela’s online portal where you can:
- Submit applications
- Upload documents and attachments
- Check the status of your applications
- See your benefit decisions
- Update your information
To use OmaKela, you need to authenticate with Finnish online banking credentials (verkkopankkitunnukset) or a mobile certificate (mobiilivarmenne). If you don’t have either, you’ll need to use paper forms.
Ukrainian-language forms¶
Kela provides application forms in Ukrainian, which helps enormously. Here are the main ones:
| Form code | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| UA1ukr | Kela card + child benefit |
| AT1ukr | Housing allowance |
| WH1ukr | Child home care allowance |
| TO1ukr | Basic social assistance |
| TO2ukr | Rental deposit assistance |
You can download these from Kela’s Ukrainian information page. The forms themselves are in Ukrainian, but remember: any supporting documents in Ukrainian still need translation.
In-person service¶
If you prefer face-to-face help, Kela has service points throughout Finland. You can walk in during opening hours or book an appointment. Some offices have Ukrainian or Russian interpreters available - it’s worth asking when you book.
Kela also offers a phone service. The general number is 020 634 0200. Processing times vary, but most benefit decisions come within 2-4 weeks for straightforward applications. Social assistance (toimeentulotuki) is usually the fastest - Kela aims for 7 business days.
A typical application timeline¶
Here’s a realistic timeline for someone who just hit the 12-month mark:
| Step | Time needed |
|---|---|
| Register municipality at DVV | 1-2 weeks for an appointment |
| Get henkilötunnus confirmed | Same day or 1-2 weeks by mail |
| Open a bank account | 1-2 weeks (appointment + processing) |
| Apply for Kela card | 2-4 weeks processing |
| Apply for specific benefits | 1-4 weeks processing per benefit |
| Get documents translated | 3-14 days depending on translator |
| Total from start to first payment | 6-10 weeks |
Don’t expect money in your account the week after you register at DVV. The bureaucratic chain takes time, and each step depends on the previous one. Start the process as soon as you hit the 12-month mark - or even a few weeks before, by gathering documents and booking appointments.
What changed in 2026¶
The Finnish government has been making significant changes to the social security system. If you’re reading articles or forum posts from 2024 or 2025, the numbers might be outdated. Here’s what’s different in 2026.
Social assistance reform (February 2026)¶
The government reformed basic social assistance (toimeentulotuki) in February 2026. The main changes involve stricter requirements for proving that you’re actively looking for work or participating in integration activities. If you’re receiving toimeentulotuki, expect more follow-up from Kela about what you’re doing to improve your employment situation.
Benefit cuts (March 2026)¶
Basic social assistance amounts were cut by 2-3% in March 2026. The single person’s amount went from about EUR 595 to EUR 578.43. Not a huge drop, but when you’re living on these amounts, every euro counts.
Maternity grant increase (April 2026)¶
Some good news: the maternity grant increased from EUR 170 to EUR 210 starting April 2026. If you’re expecting a baby, apply after April to get the higher amount.
New general social security benefit (May 2026)¶
The Finnish government is introducing a new general social security benefit (yleinen sosiaaliturvaetuus) in May 2026. This is a bigger structural change that aims to simplify the benefit system. Details are still being finalized, but the idea is to merge several existing benefits into a more unified framework. Keep an eye on Kela’s website for updates - they typically publish information in Ukrainian when major changes happen.
Index freeze until 2027¶
Most Kela benefits are normally adjusted annually for inflation. The current government has frozen these index adjustments until 2027. That means benefit amounts won’t increase to match rising prices. In practical terms, the purchasing power of your Kela benefits is slowly decreasing each month as prices go up but payments stay flat.
A realistic monthly budget on Kela benefits¶
Let’s put the numbers together for a common scenario: a single Ukrainian parent with one child (age 5), living in Helsinki, not working.
| Income source | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Lapsilisä (child benefit) | EUR 94.88 + EUR 26 (under 3 bonus if applicable) |
| Single parent supplement | EUR 73.30 |
| Asumistuki (housing allowance) | ~EUR 394 (up to 70% of max rent) |
| Toimeentulotuki (if needed) | Up to EUR 578.43 (single) + child supplement |
The total varies significantly based on your rent, other income, and specific circumstances. But the combination of housing allowance and social assistance means you can cover basic expenses. It’s not comfortable - nobody’s getting rich on Kela benefits - but it prevents homelessness and hunger while you work on learning Finnish and finding employment.
For families with multiple children, the amounts add up more favorably. A family with three children receives EUR 333.51 in child benefits alone (EUR 94.88 + EUR 104.84 + EUR 133.79), plus single-parent supplements if applicable.
Kela vs. reception center: understanding the transition¶
One thing that confuses many Ukrainians is the transition from the reception center system to the Kela system. Here’s a clear comparison.
| Reception center system | Kela system | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | Migri | Kela |
| When | First 12 months | After municipality registration |
| Monthly allowance | ~EUR 300 (single) | Varies (multiple benefits combined) |
| Housing | Reception center or private (with help) | Your own apartment (with asumistuki) |
| Healthcare | Through reception center | Through wellbeing services county |
| Work allowed? | Yes | Yes |
The transition isn’t a cliff edge where everything changes overnight. There’s typically an overlap period as you register, apply for benefits, and wait for processing. During this time, make sure you’re not caught without income - communicate with both the reception center and Kela about your transition timeline.
If you’re in the process of transitioning to a regular residence permit, the Kela registration timeline aligns with the municipality registration. Both depend on the same 12-month requirement and DVV registration.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them¶
Not translating documents in advance¶
You gather all your papers, fill out the Kela application, show up at the office - and the clerk says your birth certificate is in Ukrainian and they can’t process it. You lose weeks going back and forth. Translate your key documents before you start applying.
Forgetting to report income changes¶
Started a part-time job? Got money from a relative abroad? These affect your benefit amounts. Kela expects you to report changes. If they discover unreported income later, they’ll recalculate and demand repayment. It’s much better to report proactively.
Missing the municipality registration window¶
Some Ukrainians don’t realize they need to actively register at DVV after 12 months. Nobody forces you. But every month you delay is a month without access to Kela benefits. Mark the date in your calendar.
Applying for toimeentulotuki first instead of other benefits¶
Toimeentulotuki is meant as a last resort. Kela expects you to apply for housing allowance and other primary benefits first. If you apply for social assistance without having applied for housing allowance, Kela will tell you to apply for asumistuki first and come back. Apply for everything you’re eligible for, then use social assistance to fill the remaining gap.
Not opening a bank account early enough¶
Kela can’t pay you without a Finnish bank account. And opening a bank account as a temporary protection holder can take 1-2 weeks (sometimes longer if the bank is being difficult). Start this process early - ideally right when you register your municipality.
Planning for the long term¶
Kela benefits are a safety net, not a long-term plan. The Finnish government is increasingly tying benefit eligibility to integration activities - language courses, job seeking, volunteering. If you’re receiving toimeentulotuki, expect Kela to ask what you’re doing to find work.
The stronger play is to use the stability of Kela benefits to invest in your future: learn Finnish, get your Ukrainian qualifications recognized, and look for employment. Once you’re working, your need for Kela benefits decreases (though child benefit continues regardless of income), and you start building toward permanent residence - which requires at least 2 years of work history under the new 2026 rules.
Your translated documents will serve double duty here. The same birth certificates, diplomas, and employment records you translate for Kela applications can be used for Migri residence permit applications later. Keep copies of all translations - you’ll use them again.
FAQ¶
Do I need an authorized translation for Kela, or is a regular translation enough?¶
Kela officially accepts documents in Finnish, Swedish, or English. For most benefit applications, a professional certified translation into English is accepted. You don’t always need a Finnish authorized translation (auktorisoitu käännös) like you would for Migri. However, if Kela questions the translation quality or if your case involves legal disputes, an authorized translation carries more weight. When in doubt, call your local Kela office and ask what they’ll accept for your specific situation.
Can I receive Kela benefits while on temporary protection?¶
Not immediately. During your first 12 months under temporary protection, you’re in the reception center system (managed by Migri), not the Kela system. After 12 months, you register your municipality at DVV, get a henkilötunnus, and then apply for Kela benefits. The exception is workers: if you’re employed with a salary of at least EUR 800.02 per month, you may be eligible for sickness allowance even before the 12-month mark.
What happens to my Kela benefits if I start working?¶
It depends on the benefit. Child benefit (lapsilisä) continues regardless of your income - everyone gets it. Housing allowance (asumistuki) decreases as your income rises, because the calculation includes a deduction based on household income. Basic social assistance (toimeentulotuki) is reduced euro-for-euro against your other income, though there’s a small earned income deduction (EUR 150 per month is excluded from the calculation for working recipients). In short: working always leaves you better off financially than not working, but your Kela benefits will be adjusted downward.
How do I get my Ukrainian birth certificate translated for Kela?¶
You have two main options. First, find an authorized translator (auktorisoitu kääntäjä) registered at akr.opintopolku.fi for Ukrainian-Finnish - but be prepared for long wait times since only about 4 translators exist for this language pair. Second, get a certified translation into English, which Kela generally accepts and which is faster and cheaper. Through ChatsControl, you can find translators who handle Ukrainian documents for Finnish authorities and get guidance on which translation type fits your needs.
Will the May 2026 social security reform affect my current benefits?¶
The new general social security benefit (yleinen sosiaaliturvaetuus) launching in May 2026 is designed to simplify the existing system, not eliminate benefits. If you’re already receiving Kela benefits, you should be transitioned automatically. However, the amounts and calculation methods may change. Kela will notify existing recipients about any changes to their specific benefits. Watch for letters from Kela (they also send decisions to OmaKela) and check the Ukrainian information page for updates.
Your next steps¶
If you’ve just hit or are approaching the 12-month mark in Finland, here’s your action plan:
-
Register your municipality at DVV - book an appointment at dvv.fi as soon as you’re eligible
-
Gather your documents - collect birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other family status documents from Ukraine. Start the translation process now - don’t wait until you’re sitting in the Kela office
-
Open a Finnish bank account - you need this before Kela can pay you anything
-
Apply for the Kela card using form UA1ukr - this gets you into the system and starts your child benefit application at the same time
-
Apply for housing allowance (form AT1ukr) and any other benefits you’re eligible for
-
Keep all translated documents - you’ll reuse them for Migri applications, employer requests, and school enrollments
The Finnish social security system is generous compared to most countries, but it requires you to take initiative. Nobody comes knocking on your door offering benefits. You register, you apply, you provide the documents - and then the system works for you.
For help with document translations - whether you need an authorized Finnish translation or a certified English translation for Kela - ChatsControl connects you with qualified translators who specialize in Ukrainian documents for Finnish authorities.
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