Appealing income security decisions

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health does not process requests for a review, objections or complaints. Instead, it drafts legislation on appeal boards and this way ensures the legal protection of people when they request a review.

A decision on income security and the reasons for it are always issued in writing. The decision includes instructions on how and where to request a review of the decision.

If clients are dissatisfied with decisions on allowances or benefits, they may request an administrative review or a judicial review by appeal.

The social services ombudspersons appointed by the wellbeing services counties may give advice on how to request a review of a decision on social services or supplementary or preventive social assistance. They may also provide advice if clients are dissatisfied with the service they received.

A review of a decision may be requested as follows:

Social assistance

Basic social assistance

Payer of the benefit

Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela)

Request for an administrative review

Kela’s Appeals Management Centre

Request for a judicial review

Administrative court

Preventive and supplementary social assistance

Payer of the benefit
Wellbeing services county

Request for an administrative review
Competent authority in the wellbeing services county

Request for a judicial review
Administrative court

The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) is the national authority that guides, authorises and supervises social welfare services.