Kela informs: All students who apply for social assistance must apply for a student loan – Kela no longer free to use discretion

AI-generated summary of Kela’s press release: 

As of 1 February 2026, all students aged 18 and over who apply for social assistance in Finland are required to apply for a student loan first. Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) can no longer use discretion when assessing whether a student must take out a loan—this applies to all students, including those in aftercare services. Previously, some students were exempt from this requirement, but now only those with a prior exemption decision are unaffected until the end of the current academic year (31 July 2026).

Social assistance remains a benefit of last resort and students must first apply for all primary benefits, such as study grant, housing supplement, and student loan. If a student does not fulfill these requirements, their social assistance may be reduced.

Regarding summer months, students are expected to support themselves either through work or with student financial aid. If unable to study or obtain a summer job despite active efforts, students may apply for social assistance without the need to deregister from studies or register with employment services, and Kela will not reduce their assistance in these cases.

Read the full press release about applying for social assistance on Kela’s website.