Finnish Pensioners May Qualify for Additional Housing Support
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Finnish Pensioners May Qualify for Additional Housing Support
- Pensioners in Finland with low incomes may be eligible for a housing allowance, which can cover up to 85% of accepted housing costs.
- This housing allowance for pensioners is administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.
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In Finland, pensioners may be entitled to various forms of financial support from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, particularly if they have low incomes. One significant benefit is the housing allowance for pensioners, designed to help cover housing expenses. This allowance can amount to 85% of eligible housing costs, after certain deductibles are applied. Eligibility for this support is primarily based on permanent residency in Finland, low income, and receiving a pension that qualifies for the allowance.
It’s important to note that the housing allowance for pensioners is distinct from the general housing allowance, and typically, individuals can only receive one type of housing benefit at a time. The amount of the allowance is influenced by housing expenses, family situation, and income, but generally, assets do not prevent someone from receiving this particular support. For instance, in an example provided by Kela, a pensioner could receive over 100 euros per month after deductibles are applied to accepted housing costs.
Beyond housing allowance, Kela also offers other benefits for pensioners, such as care allowance for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, and national and guarantee pensions for those with small or no earnings-related pensions. Many of these benefits, including the housing allowance for pensioners, are tax-exempt. While the Finnish pension system aims to provide a secure retirement, individuals often need to actively apply for these benefits, as they are not always granted automatically.