Welfare regions using disability services law to cut costs and reduce services, report finds

A new investigation by the Disability Forum reveals that Finland’s welfare regions are using the updated Disability Services Act to reduce services and cut costs, despite the law’s intended purpose of improving support for people with disabilities.

The report, based on a summer 2025 survey of 424 disability service users and their families, finds that services are insufficient, decision-making is slow and unclear, and information and guidance are lacking. Many individuals receive only the bare minimum needed for daily survival—what the report calls an “existence minimum”—rather than comprehensive support for a fulfilling life.

“People with disabilities, like everyone else, should have the opportunity for a full life—being able to work, study, and participate in society, not just survive,” said Maija Aatelo, chair of the Disability Forum. She noted that most disabled people in Finland live below the poverty line due to low employment rates.

Personal assistance replaced with home care

The report highlights that welfare regions are increasingly replacing round-the-clock personal assistance with limited home care visits, often at inconsistent times. This makes daily planning difficult, as users may not know when help will arrive.

“You might need to go shopping in the evening, but you don’t know if home care is coming at 6 or 8 PM—or if you’ll even be able to go,” Aatelo explained.

Many disabled individuals avoid contacting welfare services for fear of reassessments leading to further cuts. Aatelo confirmed these concerns are justified, as the Disability Forum regularly receives reports of reduced services.

Systemic failures identified

The report outlines six key problems:

• Insufficient staffing undermines legal compliance
• Lack of transparency and clarity in decision-making
• “Adequate services” do not guarantee a functional or equitable system
• Poor implementation of the new Disability Services Act
• Shifting to overburdened general services poses risks
• Widespread need for systemic improvements based on user experiences

The Disability Forum calls for increased staffing, clearer and more consistent practices, better information sharing, stronger user participation, and greater transparency.

Recent reports by public broadcaster Yle have documented cases where welfare regions have restricted services, leaving some disabled individuals without essential support for extended periods.