Toimeentulokiinnikkeänä

Toimeentulokiinnikkeänä refers to a concept in Finnish social welfare law and practice. It essentially translates to "as a subsistence guarantee" or "as a guarantee of livelihood." This term is used to describe the role of the social assistance benefit, also known as toimeentulotuki, as a last resort safety net. When an individual or family has exhausted all other available income and resources, social assistance is intended to cover their basic subsistence needs.

The principle of toimeentulokiinnikkeänä highlights that social assistance is not meant to provide a comfortable standard of living, but rather to prevent destitution and ensure the ability to meet essential living expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare. It is a supplementary benefit, meaning it is only granted after assessing the applicant's income, assets, and other potential sources of support, including statutory benefits like unemployment or sickness allowances.

The application of the toimeentulokiinnikkeen principle dictates that social assistance is calculated based on the individual's or family's actual, necessary expenses, minus their countable income. This ensures that the benefit is targeted and proportionate to the need for subsistence. The aim is to provide just enough support to prevent severe hardship, thereby acting as a crucial, albeit minimal, financial safety net for those in dire circumstances.