A growing number of people with disabilities in Finland are struggling to find accessible and affordable housing, following a change in guidelines by Kela, the country’s social insurance agency. According to experts, the supply of suitable homes remains far below demand, despite a government objective to reach one million accessible dwellings by 2030.
The Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities (Invalidiliitto) receives weekly calls from residents seeking advice on how to access or modify housing. “There are simply not enough accessible apartments available,” said legal advisor Petteri Pitkänen, adding that even when such units exist, they are not necessarily prioritised for people with disabilities.
New Kela rules add financial pressure
The current crisis is partly the result of a 2023 reform to housing support rules. The new system introduced municipality-specific caps on housing expenses covered by basic social assistance. If rent exceeds the cap, Kela can only approve the full amount under “special grounds.” Otherwise, tenants must either cover the difference themselves or move.
This has created major obstacles for disabled residents like Anniina Pääkkönen, a Tampere resident who uses a walker indoors and a wheelchair outdoors. She has been waiting for a suitable home since early 2024 but cannot find one that is both affordable and accessible under the new criteria.
Kela’s benefit manager Marja-Leena Valkonen confirmed that exceptions can be made for people with disabilities, for instance if they need extra space for mobility aids. However, critics argue that such justifications are inconsistently applied, and medical certificates are often disregarded.
Housing insecurity and mental health toll
Living in limbo has serious consequences for those affected. Pääkkönen told Yle News that she hopes to stay close to her current home, where she has access to health services and support networks. But Kela has advised her to also consider the private market, where leases are often more precarious.
“Few of us can leave our homes just to save a few euros,” she said, noting that uncertainty over housing is mentally draining. She knows several others in similar situations who feel abandoned by the system.
Renovations still hard to implement
Besides financial constraints, structural barriers persist. Accessibility renovations require approval from housing companies, which are often reluctant even when the changes are medically necessary. This further narrows options for people seeking independent living.
Although Kela considers disability-related home modifications as valid grounds for increased support, many residents still fall through the cracks.
Finland far from 2030 accessibility goal
The Ministry of the Environment aims to ensure one million accessible homes by the end of the decade. But as of 2024, only 400,000 meet the criteria. Without stronger policies and enforcement, reaching this goal remains unlikely.
Pitkänen also warned that forcing disabled individuals to relocate could ultimately backfire economically: “Any savings could be outweighed by increased costs elsewhere.”
