Kela’s Pocket Statistics 2026: Kela’s benefit expenditure projected to increase this year

Kela’s Pocket Statistics 2026 is a concise compilation of information about the social security schemes administered by Kela. The publication presents key data, laid out in the form of tables and charts, about each of the benefits provided by Kela and the recipients of these benefits. It also contains estimates and forecasts. 

Kela’s benefit expenditure amounted to EUR 17.5 billion in 2025. This expenditure is expected to grow to EUR 18.1 billion in 2026 according to an estimate provided in Kela’s Pocket Statistics. 

For example, Kela’s expenditure on unemployment benefits is estimated to reach EUR 2.4 billion this year, which translates into an increase of EUR 322 million compared with last year. The expenditure on student benefits, on the other hand, is projected to increase by EUR 252 million compared with 2025. Expenditure is also expected to grow for basic social assistance, health insurance benefits and rehabilitation benefits. However, Kela’s expenditure on general housing allowance is projected to be approximately EUR 1.05 billion in 2026, which is EUR 178 million less than in 2025. 

Kela’s Pocket Statistics redesigned for easier use 

The aim of the redesign was to make Kela’s Pocket Statistics easier to understand and use. The structure of the publication has been made clearer, and readability has been improved by simplifying complex tables. New content has also been introduced to the publication, such as infographics and key figures. In addition, the slightly larger size of both the publication itself and the print within improve readability. 

Kela’s Pocket Statistics is a collection of key numerical data on the benefits paid out by Kela. It also contains comparative data on social security provided by other organisations. In addition, the publication offers comparative data for the previous year and data on the average and standard amounts of benefits paid. Kela’s Pocket Statistics is published in separate editions in Finnish, Swedish and English. 

More detailed statistics on benefits and their recipients are published in annual statistics on specific topics and in Kela’s Statistical Yearbook. The Yearbook also describes the eligibility criteria for benefits. The latest statistical data are available in the Kelasto statistical database. 

Kela’s Pocket Statistics 2026 

Statistical publications