Perustuetta

Perustuetta is a Finnish-language term formed from perus- "basic" and tukea "support." In general usage, it denotes a baseline level of financial or social assistance intended to cover essential living costs, such as housing, food, and utilities. The term is not an official label in Finland’s welfare law, and there is no single statutory program known by this name; instead, it appears mainly in linguistic or policy discussions as a conceptual category.

Etymology and scope: The composite appears in academic articles and policy briefs to discuss the idea of basic support independent of specific schemes. It is often contrasted with targeted benefits that depend on means testing or with specialized programs such as child benefits or housing subsidies. As a concept, perustuetta can be applied to discussions about universal basic services, minimum income trials, or baseline entitlements within welfare states.

Policy debates: Proponents argue that a defined basic support level helps reduce poverty and uncertainty, improve planning, and complement other programs. Critics warn that defining an adequate baseline is politically difficult, may require significant funding, and could create work-disincentive effects if not designed carefully. The term also resurges in Nordic policy debates as welfare states face aging populations and fiscal pressures.