Kela · social assistance 2026
Social assistance calculator (toimeentulotuki) 2026 — estimate
Basic social assistance (perustoimeentulotuki) is a last-resort benefit Kela grants when income is not enough for essential expenses. The basic amount for a person living alone is €578.43/mo (from 1.3.2026). Rough estimate: (basic amounts + accepted housing costs) − net income.
The benefit is discretionary and always assessed case by case — this calculator gives only a rough estimate. Enter your household, housing costs and income.
Estimate your social assistance
Basic social assistance (estimate)
€1,178/ mo
Tax-free · rough estimate, not a Kela decision
| Basic amount, adults | €578 |
| Housing costs | €600 |
| Income | −€0 |
| Basic social assistance (estimate) | €1,178 / mo |
Note: social assistance is a last-resort, discretionary benefit. Kela assesses each case individually. This calculator gives only a rough estimate (basic amount + housing − income) and is not a Kela decision.
The basic amounts apply from 1.3.2026 (after the reform cuts). The calculator does not model municipal housing-cost caps, supplementary or preventive assistance, assets, or Kela's individual discretion. Children's basic amounts are counted in age order (oldest first). From 1.3.2026 all earned income and small gifts are counted in full as income.
How is social assistance (toimeentulotuki) calculated?
Basic social assistance is a last-resort benefit from Kela for when your income and assets do not cover essential costs. Kela deducts income from expenses: benefit = basic amount + accepted housing costs − available income. The basic amount covers food, clothing and small everyday costs. The basic amount for a person living alone is €578.43/month in 2026, for a single parent €665.19/month and per adult in a couple €497.20/month; children get €375–417/month in age order. Kela may cut an adult's basic amount by 20–50% if the applicant does not register as a full-time jobseeker or apply for primary benefits (2026 reform). The benefit is tax-free. This is a rough estimate — Kela assesses each case individually.
How is basic social assistance estimated in 2026?
The benefit covers the gap between essential expenses and available income. The basic amount covers food and clothing, for example: a person living alone €578.43/mo, a single parent €665.19/mo and an adult in a couple €497.20/mo. Children have their own basic amounts by age and birth order.
On top of the basic amount, accepted housing costs are taken into account. Net income and most other benefits reduce the payment. From 1.3.2026 earned income is deducted in full — the former €150 earned-income disregard was abolished.
In the reform in force from 1.3.2026, adults' basic amounts were cut (by 3% for those living alone or with parents, 2% for other adults; children's amounts were not cut), and Kela may reduce the basic amount, for example for refusing work. The calculator does not model municipal housing-cost caps, supplementary or preventive assistance, or assets.
Frequently asked questions
How much is basic social assistance in 2026?
The basic amount for a person living alone is €578.43/mo (from 1.3.2026), a single parent €665.19/mo and an adult in a couple €497.20/mo. Housing costs are added on top and income reduces the payment. Kela assesses the final amount case by case.
How is social assistance calculated?
Roughly: (basic amounts + accepted housing costs) − net income. If expenses exceed income, the difference can be paid as social assistance. It is a last-resort benefit granted only after other benefits.
Does earned income affect social assistance?
Yes. From 1.3.2026 earned income is deducted in full — the former €150 disregard was abolished. All net income and most benefits reduce social assistance.
What changed in social assistance in 2026?
From 1.3.2026 adults' basic amounts were cut (3% for those living alone or with parents, 2% for other adults; children's were not), and the €150 earned-income disregard was abolished. The criteria were also tightened.
Is this calculator accurate?
No — it gives only a rough estimate from basic amounts, housing costs and income. Social assistance is discretionary and Kela assesses each situation individually. Kela may also grant supplementary or preventive assistance, which the calculator does not include.