Benefits during pregnancy and after the birth of a child in Finland
Benefits during pregnancy and after the birth of a child in Finland are granted by Kela: a maternity grant (a baby box or a cash payment), pregnancy allowance for 40 working days, and parental allowance for 320 working days. It lasts approximately 13 months and is divided equally between the parents.
Entitlement to these benefits depends on whether you work in Finland or have lived there for at least 12 months, as well as on having a municipality of residence. Applications are submitted within clear deadlines, usually two months in advance.
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that most lost benefits are linked not to a refusal, but to a missed application deadline. Below we explain which benefits pregnant women and mothers in Finland are entitled to and how to apply for them.
Who is entitled to Kela benefits
Kela’s general rule for people who have fled the war is as follows: most benefits are available to those who work in Finland or have lived there for at least 12 months. Until then, you use the services of a reception centre.
| Situation | What is known about entitlement to benefits |
| Temporary protection, not working, less than a year in the country | Kela benefits are generally not yet available; reception centre services apply |
| You work in Finland | Entitlement to Kela benefits may arise; the minimum earnings requirement must be checked |
| You have lived in Finland for at least 12 months | Most Kela benefits are available |
| Pregnant | Kela states that applications for parental allowances and child benefit may be submitted |
We recommend checking the conditions directly with Kela, as they change. Also clarify whether the legislation on access to benefits for persons under temporary protection has changed. Applications may be submitted even if you plan to return to Ukraine.
Maternity grant: a baby box or cash
This is one of the most popular forms of support. You may choose a package for a newborn or a fixed tax-free cash amount.
| Condition | Details |
| Duration of pregnancy | Approximately five months |
| Medical examination | Completed before the end of the fourth month of pregnancy |
| Residence | Permanent residence in Finland |
| Application deadline | At least two months before the expected date of delivery |
| Attachment to the application | A certificate of the duration of pregnancy from a maternity clinic or a doctor |
The package contains baby clothes, care products and supplies. It is a convenient option for those who have not yet had time to set up their household. If you prefer, you may choose a cash payment instead of the package.
Pregnancy allowance: 40 working days
Pregnancy allowance is paid for the period of leave before childbirth. Leave may begin 14–30 working days before the expected date of delivery.
- It is paid for 40 working days, approximately one and a half months
- The pregnancy must have lasted at least 154 days
- You must not work during this period
- You must be entitled to Kela benefits
- The allowance may be paid even to students and unemployed persons
- After the birth, the remainder of the 40 days is paid
The application must be submitted no later than two months after the start of the payment period. A pregnancy certificate issued by a maternity clinic must be attached to it.
Parental allowance: 320 working days and sharing between the parents
After pregnancy allowance, the mother may receive parental allowance. It is paid while you care for the child at home and do not work.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration | 320 working days, approximately 13 months |
| Sharing between the parents | 160 days each |
| Single guardian | May use all 320 days |
| Twins | 84 working days longer |
| Flexibility | The allowance may be received at a convenient time until the child turns two |
| Minimum amount | For those with no income, the minimum rate is EUR 31.99 per working day, according to InfoFinland |
The amount of the allowance depends on annual income and is always lower than wages. Use the calculator on the Kela website to calculate it. The calculator provides an indicative amount, but the final amount is determined by Kela in its decision.
How to share days between the parents and work part-time
A family may plan leave flexibly. If you combine care and work, additional options apply.
- One parent may transfer up to 63 working days from their quota to the other
- The parent who gives birth may transfer days before or after the child’s birth
- The other parent may transfer days only until the moment of birth
- Partial parental allowance may be arranged when working up to five hours a day
- Both parents may work part-time, taking turns
- After leave, one of the parents may receive child home care allowance
Plan the sharing of days in advance, as changes may be made only within the rules. This will help the family make the most of the available options.
Child benefit and other family benefits
Child benefit is separate from parental benefits. It is paid to the guardian until the child turns 17.
| Benefit | For whom |
| Child benefit | Guardian of a child under 17 |
| Home care allowance | One of the parents who stays at home after leave |
| General housing allowance | Those who reside permanently in Finland and rent housing |
We wrote about child benefit in Finland in more detail in a separate article. Therefore, we limit ourselves here to a brief reminder.
Taxes and a tax card for Kela benefits
Kela benefits are taxable, so a tax card is required for them. Without one, withholding may be higher than expected. If the employer continues to pay wages during leave, Kela transfers the allowance to the employer. Therefore, clarify this in advance and indicate it in the application.
If the child was born prematurely or circumstances have changed
Not all pregnancies go according to plan. The rules also cover such situations, so do not panic, but act quickly.
| Situation | What is known |
| The child was born before leave began | Payment of pregnancy allowance begins on the first working day after the birth |
| Pregnancy allowance has been partly used | After the birth, the remainder of the 40 working days is paid |
| Twins were born | Parental allowance is paid for 84 working days longer |
| You are a single mother or the sole guardian | All 320 days of parental allowance may be used |
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that, in non-standard situations, the most important thing is to notify Kela and the employer promptly. A delay in notification may cost part of the benefits.
Common mistakes when applying for benefits
These mistakes occur most often, and all of them can cost money.
- Missing the two-month deadlines for submitting applications
- Failing to obtain a pregnancy certificate in time
- Failing to notify the employer in writing
- Failing to obtain a tax card
- Failing to check whether entitlement to Kela benefits has arisen
- Failing to clarify whether the employer will pay salary during leave
Each of these mistakes can delay benefits or reduce their amount. Therefore, plan the deadlines from the start of the pregnancy. Keep a calendar and a separate folder for all documents and copies of applications.
Why it is difficult to apply for benefits on your own
Kela rules have many nuances, and they depend on your status and sources of income. That is why even a process that looks simple can feel confusing.
- The interface and forms are available in Finnish and Swedish
- Different deadlines for different benefits
- Bank codes or a mobile certificate are required for an online application
- It is difficult to determine when entitlement to benefits arises
- Errors may lead to a refusal or a delay
That is why an increasing number of Ukrainian women who are interested in how to receive benefits during pregnancy and after the birth of a child in Finland seek advice even before the first application.
On your own or with International Law Firm "Zahist": a comparison
The difference between the approaches is clearly shown in the table.
| Parameter | On your own | With International Law Firm "Zahist" |
| Entitlement to benefits | Difficult to assess | Analysis of your status and conditions |
| Deadlines | Easy to miss two months | Monitoring of dates |
| Documents | Risk of forgetting a certificate or card | Checklist |
| Submission of applications | Language barrier | Assistance with preparation |
| Refusal or delay | Unclear what to do | Analysis of the grounds and an action plan |
We do not guarantee decisions by public authorities, as the final word remains with them. However, proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of refusals and delays.
How International Law Firm "Zahist" helps young mothers
We support the client at every stage so that she understands her actions.
- Analysis of status and entitlement to Kela benefits
- Drawing up a calendar of deadlines for applications
- Preparation of applications and supporting documents
- Advice on leave and the allocation of days between parents
- Assistance with the tax card and codes for online login
- Preparation of appeals in the event of a refusal or delay
- Support until benefits are received
At every stage, you know what is happening and are not left alone with the bureaucracy. This is especially important when the family budget depends on the benefits.
Legal assistance for families with children in Finland
Do not postpone submitting applications, as the deadlines are strict. The earlier you seek advice, the lower the risk of losing part of the benefits. A consultation will help you draw up a clear plan right now.
Contact the lawyers of International Law Firm "Zahist", and we will help you determine which benefits pregnant women and mothers in Finland are entitled to and prepare the necessary documents.
