Changes to social assistance to take effect on 1 February 2026
15.1.2026 13.52
The changes to be made to social assistance will, for example, strengthen the obligations of recipients to apply for full-time work and primary benefits. The overall reform of social assistance aims to clarify the role of social assistance as a last-resort and temporary form of assistance, prevent social exclusion among young people and strengthen general government finances.
New general social security benefit to replace labour market subsidy and basic unemployment allowance as from 1 May 2026
15.1.2026 13.48
In the first stage, the general social security benefit will be a new social security benefit for unemployed jobseekers, replacing the existing labour market subsidy and basic unemployment allowance. The legislation on the general social security benefit is scheduled to enter into force on 1 May 2026.
Comments on the new integration support are requested
5.1.2026 14.50
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health invites comments on the integration support. The comments should be submitted by 16 February 2026.
Latest
Changes to social assistance to take effect on 1 February 2026
Type:Press release
Publication date:15.1.2026 13.52
New general social security benefit to replace labour market subsidy and basic unemployment allowance as from 1 May 2026
Type:Press release
Publication date:15.1.2026 13.48
Drop in boys’ learning outcomes and violence-related risks call for joint national solutions
Type:Press release
Publication date:14.1.2026 13.00
Radical Health Festival brings leading health sector experts to Helsinki – The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is a co-organiser of the international event
Type:Press release
Publication date:9.1.2026 10.57
Comments on the new integration support are requested
Type:Press release
Publication date:5.1.2026 14.50
Ministers
Kaisa Juuso
Minister of Social Affairs and Health