Changes to Student Housing Benefits in August 2025

Starting from August 2025, most higher education students will transfer from the general housing allowance to the housing supplement under the study grant system. The housing supplement differs from the current general housing allowance in many ways. It is individual, tied to study months, and the amount is based on annual income instead of monthly income. In addition, the maximum amount is lower.

Students can still receive the general housing allowance if they:

• have dependent children,
• receive a benefit that prevents them from studying (e.g. sickness allowance, rehabilitation allowance, or unemployment benefit), or
• have used all their study grant months.

All other students will move to the housing supplement scheme starting from 1 August 2025.

The Housing Supplement Is Not Granted Automatically

You must apply for the housing supplement separately in Kela’s online service. It will not be granted automatically to those receiving general housing allowance or study grant.
An exception may apply to students studying abroad who already have a valid decision on the housing supplement.
We recommend applying in good time, as the supplement is not granted retroactively.

The August Situation and Right to Study

In August, the general housing allowance may end, but the housing supplement cannot yet be granted if studies begin only in September.
If a student is not enrolled for at least 18 days in August, they are not eligible for the housing supplement. This may mean that no housing support is available at all for August. An exception applies to those studying during summer and receiving study grant. Take this into account in advance – you may not receive any support for August.

The Amount and Formation of the Housing Supplement

In the municipality category of Vaasa, a maximum of €270/month in housing costs is accepted. Of this, the housing supplement covers 80%, so you can receive a maximum of €216/month. The housing supplement is part of the study grant and is subject to the same annual income limits as the study grant. If your annual income exceeds the limit, you will have to repay support months – including the housing supplement for those months.

Living With or in a Property Owned by Parents

You cannot receive the housing supplement if you live with your parents. If you rent a home owned or rented by your parents, the maximum housing supplement is €83/month. This is a clear difference compared to the former general housing allowance, which could be granted in such housing arrangements.

Shared Housing and Different Benefit Systems

If a student lives with someone who is not a student, they may be covered by different benefit systems. The student may receive the housing supplement for their share of the rent, while the non-student may receive the general housing allowance. These situations can be complex, so it’s a good idea to contact Kela to clarify the factors affecting your eligibility and amount.

Housing Supplement and Summer Months

The housing supplement is paid only for months during which the student is eligible for study grant. Typically, this means the months from September to May. However, if the student is studying during the summer and receiving study grant for it, they may also receive the housing supplement for summer months.

The Housing Supplement Requires Receiving Study Grant

You cannot receive the housing supplement without also receiving the study grant. The eligibility conditions and limitations – such as the maximum number of support months, annual income limits, and study progress requirements – are the same as for the study grant.

Remember: The housing supplement follows the same rules as the study grant → the number of support months, income limits and required study credits all matter.
Apply in time – the benefit is not granted retroactively.
Read more on Kela’s website: kela.fi