Täydennysapu

Täydennysapu is a Finnish term that translates to "supplementary aid" or "top-up assistance." It refers to financial or material support provided to individuals or families who are already receiving some form of basic welfare benefits, but whose income or resources are insufficient to cover their essential living expenses. The purpose of täydennysapu is to bridge the gap between the standard benefit amounts and the actual costs of living for those in particularly challenging circumstances.

This type of assistance is typically granted on a case-by-case basis by municipal social welfare authorities. Eligibility criteria often depend on the applicant's specific financial situation, including their income, assets, family size, and essential expenditures. The aid is intended to cover specific, unavoidable costs that are not adequately addressed by regular social assistance or other statutory benefits. Examples of expenses that täydennysapu might cover include unexpected medical costs, essential clothing or household items for which the applicant cannot otherwise afford, or extraordinary heating expenses in severe weather conditions.

The administration of täydennysapu aims to ensure that individuals and families can maintain a reasonable standard of living and cope with unforeseen financial burdens. It is a discretionary form of support, meaning that granting the aid is not an automatic right but depends on the assessment of the social worker and the availability of municipal funds. The goal is to prevent acute hardship and promote social inclusion by providing necessary, temporary support.