Four in Five Ukrainians in Finland Receive Social Support, Says Kela

A large majority of Ukrainians who have fled the war and settled in Finland are currently relying on social security support, according to new figures released by Kela.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, approximately 80,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Finland seeking safety.

By the end of last year, around 49,000 remained in the country, with nearly 39,000 of them receiving some form of financial assistance.

Rising Costs and Growing Need

The total amount of social benefits paid to Ukrainians reached approximately €250 million last year, highlighting the scale of support provided as the war continues.

More than half of this amount was allocated to basic social assistance, which is designed to cover essential living costs. According to Kela, the majority of recipients are women and children, reflecting the demographic reality of those fleeing the conflict.

Sharp Increase Since Early War Period

The number of benefit recipients has grown significantly since the early stages of the war. In 2022, during the first year following the invasion, around 5,000 Ukrainians received social benefits, with total payments amounting to roughly €18 million.

The sharp rise in both recipients and overall expenditure underscores how Finland’s support system has adapted to accommodate a large number of displaced people over a relatively short period.

Long-Term Outlook

As the war in Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight, the demand for social assistance in Finland is expected to remain high. The figures also point to broader questions about long-term integration, employment opportunities, and the sustainability of support systems.

For now, Finland continues to play a significant role in providing financial stability and basic services to those who have been forced to leave their homes.