Finland has one of the most advanced support systems for children with disabilities, built on equality, accessibility, and inclusion. It covers medical care, financial aid, rehabilitation, educational services, and assistance from non-profit organizations.
Starting from January 1, 2025, a new law will come into effect, expanding access to services and strengthening legal protections for families. This guide provides a step-by-step process for obtaining support, details of procedures, potential challenges, and recommendations.
📌 Key Aspects of the Support System
- Medical Assistance – Diagnosis and treatment.
- Financial Aid – Monthly allowances for children with disabilities.
- Rehabilitation – Physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy.
- Inclusive Education – Adapted curricula, teaching assistants.
- Transport Services – Specialized transport for children with mobility impairments.
- Legal Support – Assistance in resolving disputes and appeals.
📌 Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Support
1️⃣ Medical Assessment
The first step in obtaining support is to get an official medical evaluation that confirms the child’s condition.
Step | What to Do | Contacts | Cost |
Book a Doctor’s Appointment | Visit your local health center (terveyskeskus). | Free for children. | |
Get Medical Tests | Undergo necessary tests and examinations to confirm the diagnosis. | - | Free. |
Obtain a Medical Report | A physician issues a medical certificate required for further applications (including Kela). | - | - |
2️⃣ Applying for Financial Aid from Kela
Kela (the Finnish Social Insurance Institution) provides financial support for children with disabilities. The main types of assistance include:
Type of Support | Amount/Eligibility | How to Apply | Processing Time |
Disability Allowance for Children | €92.31–€483.27/month depending on the child’s needs. | Apply online via kela.fi. | 2–4 weeks |
Caregiver Allowance | Up to 70% of the parent’s average income if they temporarily leave work to care for the child. | Submit documents online or visit a Kela office. | 2–4 weeks |
Kela Contact Details:📌 Website: kela.fi
📞 Phone: +358 20 634 2550
3️⃣ Contacting Social Services
Social services provide access to rehabilitation programs, specialized transportation, and educational assistance.
Service | Description | Where to Apply | Cost |
Rehabilitation | Physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy to improve the child's well-being. | Sosiaalipalvelut | Free. |
Special Transport | Transport services for children with mobility limitations. | Sosiaalipalvelut | €2–5 per ride. |
Educational Support | Individual learning plans, school assistants, specialized institutions. | Local school or education department. | Free. |
📜 2025 Law Update: Key Changes
From January 1, 2025, Finland will implement a new Disability Services Act, introducing significant improvements:
Change | Details |
Personalized Services | Each child will receive an individualized support plan tailored to their needs. |
Faster Processing Times | Municipalities will be required to handle applications more efficiently. |
Expanded Rehabilitation Services | New therapy programs will be introduced. |
Stronger Legal Protection | Families will have more rights to appeal decisions. |
📌 Read the full legislation:
🛑 What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected?
Common Reasons for Rejection:
❌ Incomplete documentation (missing medical report, income verification, or additional certificates).
❌ Insufficient justification (the application does not meet Kela or municipal criteria).
❌ Technical errors (incorrectly filled applications).
Steps to Take If Rejected:
1️⃣ Request an Explanation – Contact Kela or your municipality to understand the reason for the denial.
2️⃣ File an Appeal – You have 30 days to submit an appeal.
3️⃣ Seek Legal Assistance – Organizations like Tukiliitto and Hilma provide legal aid for appeals.
📌 Appeal Support Contacts:
- Tukiliitto: tukiliitto.fi | 📞 +358 20 798 600
- Hilma: hilma.fi | 📧 info@hilma.fi
🏛️ Role of Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations provide additional support, legal assistance, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Organization | Services Provided | Contact Details |
Tukiliitto | Legal assistance, support groups, events for children. | |
Hilma | Support for migrants, legal aid, document translations. | |
THL (National Institute for Health and Welfare) | Information on rights, laws, and disability services. |
✅ Strengths and Challenges of the System
Advantages | Challenges |
Free medical and rehabilitation services. | Long application processing times. |
Financial support for families. | Extensive paperwork required for applications. |
Inclusive education with specialized support. | Language barriers for non-Finnish speakers. |
📌 Recommendations
🔹 Prepare Documents in Advance – Ensure all medical and financial documents are ready before applying.
🔹 Use Support Organizations – Tukiliitto and Hilma provide free legal assistance.
🔹 Request an Interpreter – Kela and municipalities offer translation services for migrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
💬 What if my doctor refuses to issue a medical report?
✔️ Seek a second opinion from another doctor or request a written explanation. Consult THL for guidance.
💬 Can migrant children access all services?
✔️ Yes, if they legally reside in Finland and hold a residence permit.
💬 How to avoid repeated rejections from Kela?
✔️ Always double-check required documents and submit applications online to reduce errors.
Finland’s support system for children with disabilities is designed to ensure equal opportunities and a high quality of life. It integrates state services, financial aid, rehabilitation, and legal protection. However, thorough documentation, proactive engagement with support organizations, and persistence in appeals are crucial for successfully navigating the system.
📌 Additional Resources:
📞 Need help? Contact your local social services or Kela for further guidance.