Funeral Assistance

The death of a loved one brings financial concerns in addition to grief. Funerals in Finland typically cost 3,000–8,000 euros, and unexpected expenses can burden the family. Funeral assistance is intended to ease this financial burden, and support can be sought from multiple sources.

Kela Does Not Pay Funeral Assistance

Kela does not pay a separate funeral assistance benefit — no such benefit exists. If the family lacks the means to arrange the burial, supplementary or preventive social assistance for funeral costs can be applied for from your own wellbeing services county (formerly the municipal social services). The support is means-tested and based on the applicant's financial situation. The application is made by a close relative or an estate shareholder, and it should be submitted as soon as possible after the death.

Trade Union Death Benefit

Many trade unions pay a death benefit upon the death of their member, typically ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 euros. The amount depends on the union's rules and length of membership. The benefit is applied for directly from the union, and the application period is usually 6–12 months from death.

It is important to check the deceased's trade union membership during the estate inventory process so that the benefit application can be submitted in time.

Other Financial Support

Funeral costs can also be supported from the following sources:

• Life insurance — many insurance policies include a death benefit that covers funeral costs in part or in full
• Parish diaconal work — the parish may grant financial aid to low-income families
• Income support — municipal social services may grant income support for funeral costs if the family's income and assets are insufficient
• Employer — some employers pay funeral assistance or provide other financial support
• Statutory accident insurance — if the death resulted from a workplace accident or occupational disease, accident insurance may cover funeral costs

Application Periods and Practices

Funeral assistance should be applied for as soon as possible, as most forms of support have deadlines. All estate assets and liabilities, including funeral costs, are recorded in the estate inventory deed, and funeral costs are deducted from the estate's assets before calculating inheritance tax.

More information about funeral costs can be found in our articles on how much do funerals cost and affordable funerals.