Effects of Social Assistance on Health and Employment

The goal of this study is to produce new information on the complex issue of low income and health by examining the effects of receiving social assistance on the recipient’s health status. The purpose of social assistance is to ensure a person’s livelihood and help them cope independently.

This study examines the effects of social assistance recipiency on the recipient’s health. Health is measured using several objective meters to ensure a comprehensive overall picture. The main focus is on mental health problems, as they are prominent among social assistance recipients. Social assistance recipients were selected because recipiency is a clear indication of disadvantage in the Finnish society, and social assistance is an important source of income for many with low income. Social assistance covers medicine expenses and health service fees. Thus, it is an important tool in supporting individuals to seek medical assistance and preventing health problems. 

Researchers

• Signe Jauhiainen, Leading Researcher
• Tuomas Nurminen
• Tapio Räsänen

Project Implementation Period

1.1.2022–30.6.2024

Privacy Statement (in Finnish)

Project Results

This study produced data on the complex issue of low income and health. The study focused on the use of medicines among recipients of basic social assistance, and it was based on register data compiled by Kela and Statistics Finland.

Recipients of social assistance were selected for the study because receiving social assistance is a clear indicator of a disadvantaged status in Finnish society.  Social assistance is an important source of income for many people with a low income. Recipients use social assistance to cover medicine costs and customer fees for healthcare services. As such, social assistance is an important tool that can support individuals in accessing healthcare services and prevent the emergence and worsening of health problems. In addition to securing a basic level of subsistence, the purpose of social assistance is to support independent survival.

The study found that medicine purchases increased immediately after social assistance had been granted. This increase was especially observed among older age groups. The analysis was carried out using three statistical methods that produced consistent results.