perustuloa

Perustuloa is the Finnish term used to describe a form of basic income. It denotes a regular unconditional cash payment provided to residents, typically paid monthly, regardless of employment status or other income. The aim is to secure a stable minimum income and to simplify welfare systems by reducing means testing and administrative overhead.

Variations of the concept include universal basic income (UBI) and guaranteed basic income. Some proposals provide payments to all residents, while others are means-tested or targeted to specific groups. The amount and frequency of payments, as well as eligibility rules, vary by design and by policy debate.

In Finland, a notable policy experiment ran from 2017 to 2018 involving around 2,000 unemployed people who received a monthly payment of about 560 euros. The study found no significant increase in employment, but improvements in well-being and reductions in administrative burden; results have influenced debate without inaugurating nationwide adoption.

As of the early 2020s, no country had adopted a nationwide, universal perustulo. In Finland, discussions and pilot proposals continue, and researchers study potential effects on poverty, work incentives, tax impacts, and public administration. The topic remains part of broader welfare reform discussions.