Neliövapaaseen

Neliövapaaseen is a Finnish benefit for parents with small children. The purpose of this benefit is to support families with a low income, allowing them to take time off work to care for their children.

To be eligible for neliövapaaseen, parents must have a low income, typically measured by the cut-off points for KELA's (Finnish Social Insurance Institution) benefits. This benefit is not only for wage earners but also for the self-employed and entrepreneurs. The eligible recipients must be raising a child under the age of three and are allowed to take up to 60 days off from work.

Neliövapaaseen is a form of monetary support, calculated on a monthly basis. The amount received varies by the recipient's income level and family size. For example, in 2023, the maximum monthly amount was approximately €580 for a family of one and €850 for a family of four or more. Recipients may use neliövapaaseen as they see fit and may supplement it with other benefits or income.

Neliövapaaseen was first introduced in 2009, part of reforms aimed at supporting low-income families and single parents. While it has undergone several changes since its inception, the core purpose remains the same: to enable families to take care of their children. Overall, neliövapaaseen is an important measure for securing the income and improving the overall quality of life for parents rearing young children in Finland.