Kansaneläkelaitoksen

Kansaneläkelaitos, commonly known as Kela, is the Finnish government agency that administers the national social security system. It is responsible for implementing social insurance schemes for residents and for providing guidance on eligibility and entitlements. The agency processes applications, pays benefits, and coordinates services aimed at supporting income security, health care access, and welfare.

Kansaneläkelaitoksen portfolio includes a broad range of benefits designed to provide financial support and social protection. These typically encompass pensions and disability allowances, sickness and parental benefits, child benefits, housing benefits, care allowances, and reimbursements for medical costs. It also administers certain unemployment-related payments and other national social security programs. In delivering these services, Kela maintains customer service channels and digital services to facilitate applications and inquiries.

Organization and funding: Kansaneläkelaitos operates under the supervision of the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and is led by a governing body that oversees policy implementation and service delivery. Its work is funded mainly through the state budget and social insurance contributions, with operations supported by a nationwide network of offices and online platforms to serve residents across Finland.

Name and branding: The legal name Kansaneläkelaitos is used in statutes and formal references, while the public-facing brand is Kela. The possessive form Kansaneläkelaitoksen appears in legal and formal contexts. Over time, the institution has undergone organizational and branding updates to modernize service delivery and expand digital access to benefits and information.