Young adults in Finland receive more support from Kela than average citizen

Young adults in Finland receive more support from Kela, the national social insurance institution, than the average Finnish citizen, according to Kela’s latest statistical overview. Last year, nearly two-thirds of individuals aged 16 to 29 received benefits, amounting to a total of €3.1 billion for this age group, or an average of €3,500 per recipient. In comparison, the overall average for the entire population was €2,400 per person.

The statistics do not include healthcare reimbursements, such as those for medications. Among the various types of support, the most significant amounts went toward housing benefits and student grants. Additionally, young adults received unemployment benefits and basic social assistance. Approximately 12% of this age group accessed social assistance, while only about 6% of the total population did so in 2023.

Kela explains that the higher percentage of young adults relying on benefits can be attributed to stricter conditions for unemployment benefits for those under 25 without vocational qualifications. Moreover, many young people may not have accumulated savings, leading to a greater need for basic social assistance. “The absence of savings could also explain the more frequent need for basic social support among young individuals,” noted Kela researcher Tuija Korpela in a statement.