Perusneliö

Perusneliö is a concept in Finnish social policy, introduced in the 1990s as a way to support low-income families and individuals. The word "perusneliö" literally translates to "basic allowance" or "essential allowance" in English.

The purpose of Perusneliö was to provide a guaranteed minimum level of financial support to those who were struggling to make ends meet, regardless of their employment status or social background. The government aimed to reduce poverty and social inequality by introducing this financial assistance.

The Perusneliö system has undergone several reforms and revisions over the years. Initially, the focus was on providing a lump sum to eligible recipients, but later changes have introduced a more complex system involving individual assessments and monthly payments.

The eligibility criteria for Perusneliö typically include factors such as income level, family size, and employment status. Recipients are expected to be actively seeking employment or engaging in other forms of education or training. Those who fail to meet these expectations may be subject to reassessments and potential withdrawal of benefits.

While the Perusneliö system has faced criticisms for its administrative complexity and alleged bureaucratic delays, some argue that it has helped alleviate poverty and supported vulnerable populations in Finland. Reducing poverty and improving living standards, particularly for low-income families, has remained a core objective of Perusneliö and other Finnish social welfare policies.