Perhetuki

Perhetuki refers to financial and other forms of support provided by the state or municipalities in Finland to families with children. The primary goal of perhetuki is to ease the economic burden of raising children and to ensure that families have access to necessary resources. This support can take various forms, including direct monetary benefits, services, and housing assistance.

The most prominent form of perhetuki is financial assistance, which includes child benefit (lapsilisä), paid monthly for each child. Parents are also entitled to parental leave benefits, which provide income replacement during the period a parent stays home to care for a newborn or adopted child. These benefits are often tied to the parent's previous income.

Beyond direct financial aid, perhetuki encompasses a range of services. These include subsidized childcare options, such as municipal daycare centers and private daycare providers, making it more affordable for parents to work. Education is also a significant component, with free compulsory schooling and often subsidized access to higher education. Healthcare services for children and pregnant women are largely funded by public means, minimizing out-of-pocket costs for families.

Municipalities also play a role in perhetuki by offering localized services and support. This can include family counseling, home help services for families in need, and support for children with special needs. The aim is to provide a comprehensive network of assistance that addresses the diverse needs of Finnish families, promoting child welfare and enabling parents to balance work and family life.