Finnish social security system
How is the right to social security determined? What does the social safety net consist of? How is social security financed and what does it cost? This material is part of the knowledge base for the social security reform.
Social security in Finland
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The right to certain social security benefits and public services is based on residence, whereas the right to certain other benefits and services is based on employment. The benefits granted by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) and the health and social services provided by wellbeing services counties are based on residence. Employment-based social security covers earnings-related pensions and insurance against occupational accidents and diseases. Unemployment benefits, parental allowance and sickness allowance are based on both residence and employment.
Social safety net
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Social security benefits and services are interlinked. Many benefits include both basic social security and earnings-related components. There are a number of bodies responsible for implementing social security, and in some parts of the social safety net different bodies work within the same range of benefits or services. It depends on the situation which body or bodies applicants need to contact.