Kela informs: Making the most of your summer: Tips for students

Whether you plan to spend the summer working, looking for a job, studying or just taking a holiday, have a look these Kela’s tips that can help you ensure that you have the financial security to make the most of your summer.

Kela can pay you student financial aid (opintotuki) during the summer months if you pursue degree-related studies. Student financial aid is available in the form of the study grant, the student housing supplement and a government guarantee for student loans. Apply for financial aid for the summer months in the OmaKela e-service by submitting a notification of changes. If you continue your studies in the autumn, you cannot get housing allowance (asumistuki) for the summer.
More information about student financial aid during the summer.

You can apply for social assistance (toimeentulotuki) for the summer months if you cannot find a summer job despite looking for one actively and the student financial aid you get during the summer or your other income or assets are not enough to live on. All students who are 18 or older are expected to apply for a student loan before they apply for social assistance.
Check when students can apply for social assistance.

Did you land a summer job? Congratulations! If Kela pays you student financial aid, make sure that you do not exceed the annual income limit for financial aid.
Check the income limit.

Register as an unemployed jobseeker with the employment services of your municipality of residence (kotikunta) and apply for Kela benefits. You can apply for general housing allowance for the period after your graduation. Remember to apply for a review of your housing allowance if you get a job and your income changes.