Kela expects more children to be born this year

Kela expects more children to be born this year than in recent years, Yle reports, citing the number of applications for maternity grants.

Applications for the grant rose by about 11 per cent between January and August compared with the same period last year. By the end of August, applications had been submitted for 33,567 children, up from 30,151 a year earlier.

“Based on the number of applications, it appears that more children will be born this year than last year,” said Anneli Miettinen, Kela’s head of research, in a statement.

The maternity grant is a benefit paid by Kela that can be claimed by people who are pregnant or adopting a child. It can be applied for after about five months of pregnancy and must be claimed no later than two months before the estimated due date.

Applicants can choose either a maternity package or a cash payment.