Eläkelähde

Eläkelähde is a Finnish term that translates to "pension source" or "source of pension." It refers to the origin or basis from which an individual's pension benefits are derived. In the Finnish social security system, pensions can stem from various sources, including statutory employment pensions, earnings-related pensions, and national pensions.

Statutory employment pensions, governed by the Employees Pensions Act (TyEL) and self-employed persons' pension acts (YEL, MYEL), are the primary source of retirement income for most Finns. These pensions are funded through contributions made by employers and employees, or by self-employed individuals. The amount of pension accumulated depends on the individual's earnings history and the contribution rates applied.

National pensions, provided by Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland), serve as a safety net for those whose employment pensions are low or nonexistent. They are funded through taxation and are subject to income-related assessments. Other potential pension sources can include occupational accident insurance pensions or pensions from specific public sector schemes. Understanding one's eläkelähde is crucial for individuals to plan their retirement finances effectively and to comprehend the structure of their future income.