Benefits during inability to work due to mental health disorders and somatic illnesses: total duration of benefits, labour market trajectories and trends by population group in 2010–2027

Published 5.3.2026Edited 30.6.2026

Sickness allowance periods due to mental health disorders have increased rapidly in the working-age population over the past 10 years. At the same time, there have been diverging trends in the prevalence of sickness allowance, depending on the socio-economic group and the diagnostic basis of the benefit. In this project, we examine the prevalence of sickness allowance and disability pensions and their total amount calculated in days of benefit in different sections of the population and according to the diagnosis the benefit is based on. Trends in partial sickness allowance are also monitored.

We also examine benefit recipients' labour market trajectories after sickness allowance, the demographic and socio-economic factors linked to them, and factors related to the disability process. In the project, we use register data on paid sickness allowance periods, periods of pension, gainful employment and unemployment as well as demographic and socio-economic background information, among other things. The results will be published in scientific research series, they will be communicated to the general public, and the observations will be updated to Kela's Info Tray. The researchers will also present the results in seminars and expert networks.