The Social Assistance Act was amended as of 1 March 2026 to tighten the conditions for being granted reception allowance. It means that all salaried income and benefits will be fully considered to determine the amount of the reception allowance.
According to the FIS, the change will impact all adults in the reception system or their spouse who earns a salary or receives other financial benefits. The changes will also affect spouses living in a municipality. The calculations will be done by the reception centre on all income of the applicant and their family members. Prior to the amendment, the amount of EUR 150 was deducted from the income of the applicant or their spouse, but this deduction was eliminated. Other financial allowances will be excluded too.
- Finnish Immigration Service | Maahanmuuttovirasto (27 February, 2026), Kaikki palkkatulot ja avustukset vaikuttavat jatkossa vastaanottorahan määrään [All earned income and allowances will affect the amount of reception allowance],