Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Finland

Abstract

Finland has a universal and residence-based social protection system. As long as a migrant is considered a permanent resident, he/she is entitled to social welfare, health services and cash benefits on the same bases as national residents. Nationality is not a criterion. Eligibility for social benefits can also be gained through employment. The crucial point is thus to become a resident or a worker. Even though the eligibility rules for benefits and services are the same for everyone, nationals, EU citizens and third-country nationals have partly different rules for entering the country and for becoming permanent residents. Third-country nationals need, for example, a resident permit that allows them to work, whereas EU/EEA nationals can enter Finland freely to search for a job. Nationals can always enter the country without any resident permit. A certain period of residence is required to qualify for some of the benefits. However, these qualifying periods are required from all applicants, nationals included.

Nordic welfare chauvinism: A comparative study of welfare chauvinism in Sweden, Norway and Finland

“…Both naturalised immigrants and foreign citizens with permanent residence in Norway, Sweden and Finland have access to the same social protection system and welfare benefits as the native population (Ahlén and Palme, 2020; Brochmann and Grødem, 2013; Kalliomaa-Puha, 2020). However, granting immigrants the same benefits as the general population is something that the right-wing populist parties in all three countries have exploited and heavily criticised to gain support among voters (Andersen and Bjørklund, 1990; Jungar and Jupskås, 2014).…”

Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Among Family Caregivers of Older Adults

“…Family Caregiving in Finland Family caregiving is an optional social service provided by the municipality (Kalliomaa-Puha & Kangas, 2018). Anyone providing essential care for a relative, friend, or another close person at home can voluntarily apply for care allowance by the municipality's social service.…”

“…The municipalities are also obligated to provide coaching, training and services, and support for the FC, if necessary. In addition, the care allowance includes accident insurance, the right of statutory leave, and a taxable cash benefit for the FC (Kalliomaa-Puha & Kangas, 2018). The cash benefit is paid in different categories based on care recipients' conditions and care needs.…”

“…An estimated 2.7 million people in Australia, 65.7 million in the United States, and 100 million in Europe are FCs (Embracing Carers, 2017; see Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/NRES/ A419). In Finland, around 300,000 people provide care for their relatives, including 40,000 registered FCs, of which about 60% are pensioners (Kalliomaa-Puha & Kangas, 2018). Finland's current policies have shifted services from institutional care to home-based care of older adults (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 2019), with a central policy goal to ensure that older adults live at home for as long as possible.…”

Work community factors, occupational well‐being and work ability in home care: A structural equation modelling

“…Many countries have transitioned to using a strategy that involves prioritizing home‐based care (Genet et al., 2011 ; Spasova et al., 2018 ). In Finland, the structure of services for older people has shifted from institutional care to home‐based services with the aim of ensuring a better quality of life, equality, increased coordination and cost‐effectiveness of services for older people (Kalliomaa‐Puha & Kangas, 2018 ; Noro & Karppanen, 2019 ; The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, 2018 ). The number of people who need a lot of support and services in home care has increased throughout the country (Kehusmaa et al., 2018 ; Noro & Karppanen, 2019 ).…”