1. Find out your income level during parental leave
Remember to apply for a maternity grant and allowance from Kela. You can select the maternity package or a tax-free cash benefit. Also notify your employer of the forthcoming parental leave sufficiently in advance.
The duration of the maternity leave is approximately 4 months, and the mother can start it 1–2 months before the expected time. For slightly more than half of the maternity leave, the amount of the maternity allowance is 90% of the work income, with 70% of the work income paid for the rest of the leave.
The maximum paternity leave is approximately 2 months. During the paternity leave, the father will receive a paternity allowance from Kela at the amount of 70% of the work income.
The duration of the parental leave is approximately six months and it is to be taken after the maternity leave. Usually the child is approximately 9 months of age at the end of the parental leave. For the parental leave, a parental allowance is paid at the amount of approximately 70% of the work income in most cases.
After the parental leave, the mother or the father can take care of the child at home and receive child home care allowance until the child turns 3. Home care subsidy consists of home care allowance and supplement. The home care allowance is €340 per month per a single child under 3 years of age. The amount of home care supplement depends on the income of the parents. In addition, your home municipality may pay a municipal supplement. The daycare fees for children can be found on the municipality’s website. (www.kela.fi, 12/2016.)