Conditions for child home care allowance to tighten at the start of next year

Published 2026-10-23

A new law will enter into force in Finland, changing the conditions for receiving child home care allowance. The change will take effect from January 1, 2025. The goal of the reform is to clarify the criteria for granting the allowance and to ensure that the support is directed to those who have a strong connection to Finland or another country in the European Economic Area.

In the future, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kela, will pay child home care allowance only to individuals who have lived in Finland or another EU or EEA country for a sufficiently long time. The new law sets more precise requirements for the applicant's residency history. The aim is that receiving the allowance will in the future require a closer tie to the country.

This legislative change is part of the government's broader goal to reform the social security system. According to the authorities, the change is intended to ensure that social benefits are distributed fairly and in a sustainable manner. The reform particularly affects families who move to Finland or whose residency history is international.

According to Kela, families should check their own situation well in advance before the turn of the year. Further information on the new conditions and their effects on individual families can be found on Kela's website. The change does not affect benefits that have been granted before the new law enters into force.

Sources: Daily Finland

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