Government proposes temporary compensation to basic social assistance clients due to epidemic

The purpose of the temporary compensation is to support the most vulnerable persons and families who have incurred extra costs as a result of the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus epidemic.

It is proposed that a law on temporary compensation for epidemic is enacted.

The aid would cover persons who have received basic social assistance during the period of restrictions, if they continue to receive basic social assistance during the payment period in autumn 2020.

It is also proposed that the Act on Social Assistance be amended on a temporary basis so that the compensation for epidemic is not taken into account when granting social assistance.

The amount of compensation would be EUR 75 per person per month. No separate application would be needed for it. The payment of compensation would begin in September and end in December 2020.

Parliament will discuss the Government proposal together with the supplementary budget proposal after the summer break in September.

The acts would enter into force retroactively on 1 August 2020 and remain in force until 31 December 2020.

Inquiries:

Mikko Horko, Ministerial Adviser, tel. 0295 163 344