Kela service point in Kamppi, Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
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Kela has reported that suspected misuse of social benefits remains rare, with cases primarily concerning basic income support, unemployment benefits, and general housing allowance. In 2024, suspected misuse accounted for less than 0.5 per mille of all benefits paid.
According to Kela’s latest report, there were 1,104 cases of suspected benefit misuse in 2024, amounting to approximately €7.2 million.
This represents only 0.43 per mille of the total benefits disbursed. The number of cases has remained relatively stable between 2020 and 2024.
Basic income support accounted for the highest number of suspected cases, followed by unemployment benefits and general housing allowance. Kela records cases as suspected misuse when a customer has been officially notified of the suspicion and a decision has been made regarding the matter. In 2024, 2,413 observations of potential misuse were made, but not all led to formal investigations, as some were deemed unfounded early in the process.
Real-time income data helps prevent misuse
Kela has taken steps to prevent and detect benefit misuse, with real-time access to income data through the national income register playing a key role.
“The income register allows Kela to monitor income changes instantly, which has significantly reduced suspected misuse of unemployment benefits and housing allowance. However, for basic income support, the register’s impact is smaller, as suspicions often arise from other factors beyond income,” said Suvi Onninen, head of Kela’s procurement and legal unit.
To further enhance fraud detection, Kela uses automated monitoring, machine learning, and data analytics. The organisation is also developing tools to detect falsified documents and undisclosed financial assets in bank statements provided by applicants. Kela collaborates with various authorities to prevent financial fraud and exchange relevant information.
Fraud cases often classified as criminal offenses
Benefit misuse involves deliberately attempting to receive benefits unfairly, either by providing false information, forging documents, or withholding relevant details. Cases that meet the legal criteria for a crime are classified as fraud or forgery.
Approximately half of all suspected misuse cases are referred to the police for investigation. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the information they provide is accurate and for notifying Kela of any changes that could affect their eligibility for benefits.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
