Helsinki plans to scrap 264-euro home care supplement

Helsinki plans to abolish its municipal supplement for parents caring for children under one at home, Yle reports. The supplement is worth 264 euros per month.

The proposal is included in the budget plan for next year being considered by Helsinki’s education and training committee. The assessment says removing the supplement entirely could cause short-term financial difficulties and concern for some families.

Children become eligible for the national home care allowance when the parent’s parental allowance period ends. The allowance consists of a care allowance, a care supplement and possible municipal supplements. It can be claimed for a child under three who is cared for at home after the parental allowance months have ended.

Helsinki has paid its municipal supplement only for children under one. Not all municipalities provide such a supplement, which is taxable income.

The city says removing the Helsinki supplement is intended to increase the number of children participating in early childhood education.

The proposal also calls for a 3.6 per cent increase in the municipal supplement for private childcare from March 2027. This support can be granted to families to hire a carer for a child below school age.

The budget proposal will be discussed at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, September 1.