Disability benefits and socioeconomic status 2010-2023

To prevent long-term absence due to illness, it is important to understand the socioeconomic differences in absences. Studies show that low socioeconomic status predicts a higher risk of absence due to illness. Meanwhile, self-employed workers and unemployed jobseekers experience the longest periods of absence due to illness. Since 2016, there has been an increase in the number of periods of sickness allowance, especially for mental health reasons. Recent comparisons of sickness allowance trends by diagnosis across socioeconomic groups are needed to understand the phenomenon. 

In the project, we investigate how the prevalence of periods of sickness allowance and the number of benefit days evolved across socioeconomic groups between 2010 and 2023, after controlling for differences in demographic and morbidity factors. The project will also investigate the usefulness of an income register for studying the disability process. We will investigate, for example, the links between sickness allowance and the risk of disability pension. The project will use register data on paid sickness allowance and special rates of reimbursement for medication, demographic and socioeconomic background data (e.g. junior and senior salaried employees, workers, the self-employed and unemployed). The Incomes Register is used to provide information on, for example, periods of pension, unemployment, and paid employment. The results are published in scientific research series and communicated nationally, and the findings are updated in Kela’s Info Tray. Researchers will also present their findings at seminars and in expert networks.

Researchers

• Riku Perhoniemi, Leading researcher
• Jenni Blomgren

Project Implementation Period

1.3.2024 –28.2.2026

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