Evaluation of the social assistance reform 

Social assistance is a last-resort form of financial security in the social security system. The social assistance reform implemented in 2026 tightens the obligations for recipients of social assistance and aims at saving expenditure on social assistance.

The project monitors the implementation of the social assistance reform in 2026 and evaluates its effects. We look at the changes from five perspectives: statistical trends in the recipients of social assistance and the use of the assistance, the impact of tighter obligations on customers' actions, the consequences of other legislative changes, welfare and use of services, and the implementation of the assistance and the functioning of the cooperation between different actors. The effects of the obligations and the reductions in the assistance are analysed in different population groups, such as families with children, students and persons who have problems with their ability to work and function.

The material is primarily comprised of extensive register data compiled by Kela for the years 2017-2028, supplemented by other register data, survey data and interview data.

The project produces up-to-date and diverse data on the effects of the reform and provides tools for improving the implementation of social assistance, cooperation between different actors and development of social security. In addition to the intended effects, the reform may also have other effects, in particular on vulnerable beneficiaries. The results are important for the development of Kela's operations, the ex-post evaluation of legislation and the broader public debate.

Researchers

• Signe Jauhiainen, Principal Investigator
• Jenni Blomgren
• Hanna-Mari Heinonen
• Sauli Jäppinen
• Tuija Korpela
• Anneli Miettinen
• Heta Moustgaard
• Lauri Mäkinen
• Laura Peutere
• Riitta Seppänen-Järvelä
• Sonja Tuomisto

The steering group includes representatives from the following organisations: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Kela’s Centre of Expertise, Kela’s service operations.

Duration of the project

1.6.2026–31.12.2028