Child benefit in Finland 2026 — how much does Kela pay per child?
Child benefit is a tax-free, income-independent payment that Kela makes for every child under 17 living in Finland. The amount rises with the number of children: 94.88 euros a month for the first child, 104.84 for the second, 133.79 for the third, 173.24 for the fourth and 192.69 from the fifth onwards.
On top of these come two supplements: 26 euros a month for a child under 3, and 73.30 euros for a single parent per child. The amounts are the same as in 2025 because index increases are frozen. Below are the tables and four family examples.
- €94.88
- first child / month
- €192.69
- from the fifth child / month
- €26.00
- supplement for a child under 3
- €73.30
- single parent / child
How much is child benefit in 2026?
The basic amount steps up by birth order, so each additional child brings a larger sum. The ordering counts all children in the family who qualify for the benefit, not their ages. The benefit is tax-free and does not need to be declared on a tax return.
| Child | EUR / month | EUR / year |
|---|---|---|
| 1st child | €94.88 | €1,138.56 |
| 2nd child | €104.84 | €1,258.08 |
| 3rd child | €133.79 | €1,605.48 |
| 4th child | €173.24 | €2,078.88 |
| 5th and beyond | €192.69 | €2,312.28 |
Two supplements
A supplement of 26 euros a month is paid for a child under 3. It applies separately to each such child and ends automatically when the child turns three. The single-parent supplement is 73.30 euros per qualifying child — so 219.90 euros a month in a single-parent family with three children.
Four family examples
| Family | EUR / month | EUR / year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | €94.88 | €1,138.56 |
| 2 children | €199.72 | €2,396.64 |
| 3 children, one under 3 | €359.51 | €4,314.12 |
| 2 children, single parent, one under 3 | €372.32 | €4,467.84 |
Applying and payment
- Apply in OmaKela or on a form within 6 months of the entitlement starting.
- Child benefit is paid monthly, usually on the 26th of the month.
- Payment starts from the beginning of the month following the birth or the move to Finland.
- Payment ends at the end of the month in which the child turns 17.
- Report changes to Kela: family circumstances, moving abroad, a child placed outside the home.
Child benefit requires the child to live in Finland. Entitlement usually ends on moving abroad, but separate rules apply between EU and EEA countries and in social security agreement countries. Åland finances its own child benefit and pays it at higher rates.
Calculators for this topic
FAQ
How much is Finnish child benefit in 2026?
94.88 euros a month for the first child, 104.84 for the second, 133.79 for the third, 173.24 for the fourth and 192.69 from the fifth onwards. The amounts match 2025 because index increases are frozen.
Is child benefit taxable income?
No. Child benefit is tax-free and does not depend on family income. It does not need to be declared on a tax return.
How much extra does a single parent receive?
73.30 euros a month per qualifying child. The supplement ends if you marry or start cohabiting — the change must be reported to Kela.
Until what age is child benefit paid?
Until the end of the month in which the child turns 17. The under-3 supplement ends automatically on the child third birthday.
Is child benefit paid while living abroad?
As a rule no, since the benefit requires the child to live in Finland. Separate rules apply between EU and EEA countries and in social security agreement countries — check your situation with Kela.