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Social security reform

The social security reform aims for a clear and well-functioning system that:

  • stays involved through changes in people’s lives and enables the reconciliation of work and social security
  • provides a comprehensible, timely and sufficiently high level of benefits and services
  • takes into account the transformation of work
  • makes work more profitable and the amount of take-home pay more predictable 
  • supports employment, entrepreneurship, an active approach, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning as well as inclusion and an experience of meaningfulness
  • reduces the need for long-term income support
  • is in line with the rights and obligations of the individual and with public finances, and
  • is responsible for fulfilling the constitutional obligation to take care of people through changes in society.

The aim is to ensure that the reform does not weaken the level of basic security.

What happens in the course of the reform?

A parliamentary committee is in charge of the reform.The committee's working term is two government terms (2020-2027).

The committee is in charge of reforming social security as a whole. It addresses questions related to basic social security, earnings-based benefits and social assistance, and examines the financing and connections between these forms of support. Attention will also be given to ways to better integrate services with benefits.

The work will take into account the diversity of people’s life situations and changes in people’s lives, and the transition from one benefit to another. The committee will not discuss old-age pensions.

The social security reform is being carried out in parts. Different parts may be completed and enter into force according to different timetables. Some changes in social security are also being prepared in a foregrounded manner as their own projects.

The reform will make use of the work carried out in the TOIMI project. Social security reform is closely linked to other key reforms of the Government Programme, such as the reform of health and social services, the work ability programme and the working groups on employment. 

Further information

Liisa Siika-aho, Director General 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Insurance and Social Security / SVO 0295163085  


Milja Tiainen, Senior Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Insurance and Social Security / SVO, Benefits Unit / ETU 0295163579