Government proposes keeping reception allowance at reduced level

The Government intends to keep the reception allowance and the spending allowance granted to people who are entitled to reception services at the current, reduced level in line with the Government Programme. The Government submitted a proposal on the matter to Parliament on 18 September.

The proposal would extend, until 11 June 2026, the validity of the act that has temporarily reduced the reception allowance and the spending allowance. Currently, the act is set to expire on 31 December 2025.

The Government intends to make permanent legislative amendments concerning the reception allowance and the spending allowance as part of a more extensive reform of the Reception Act, which is related to the implementation of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The period for preparing the reform has been extended, so that the new Reception Act is scheduled to enter into force no later than 12 June 2026. In line with the Government Programme, the reception allowance will be reduced in the reform to the minimum permitted by the Constitution and the Reception Conditions Directive.

Reception allowance is intended to be of short duration

The reception allowance is intended as a short-term benefit. The allowance is granted to persons who are in need of support and cannot earn a living through gainful employment or other income or assets. 

The basic amount of the allowance helps the recipients to pay for essentials and food, if the reception centre does not provide meals. The spending allowance may be granted to unaccompanied children.

Inquiries:
Tiina Järvinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 625, [email protected]