Lastenannoksia

Lastenannoksia is a Finnish term whose exact meaning depends on the context. In everyday use it most often refers to financial support provided to families with children, i.e., child allowances. In a medical setting, annos means dose, so lastenannoksia can also describe doses intended for children. This article concentrates on the welfare-related sense of the term and notes the alternative medical meaning to avoid confusion.

In Finland, the principal form of child allowance is lapsilisä, a monthly payment to families with children. It is administered by Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, and is typically tax-free. The amount and eligibility depend on factors such as the number of children in the family and other circumstances. Most families receive lapsilisä automatically after the birth of a child, while some supplementary benefits or changes in family status may require separate applications. In addition to lapsilisä, there are other family-related benefits and allowances for specific situations, such as care or education-related supports, which are also coordinated through Kela or relevant authorities.

Administration and financing come from the state budget and annual legislation. Payments are made on a regular schedule, usually monthly, and the exact sums are updated as laws and schedules change. Eligibility generally requires residence in Finland and a recognized family relation to the child, with certain benefits available for special circumstances such as adoption or guardianship.

In medical contexts, lastenannos would simply denote a dose for a child, which must be determined by age, weight, and clinical guidelines and administered according to professional instructions.

See also lapsilisä, kotihoidontuki, elatustuki, and the broader Finnish child benefit system.