In early February, Finnish students were left puzzled over Kela's decisions regarding social assistance. Key questions arose about whether they should apply for unemployment benefits during the summer, when to apply for student loans, and the eligibility to study while receiving social assistance. These inquiries prompted Kela, the Finnish government agency responsible for social benefits, to issue a clarification due to the overwhelming number of questions from students following the recent reforms that took effect at the beginning of the month.

The reforms stipulated that all students must first apply for student loans before other benefits can be considered, which has created confusion among many. While some students aged 18 and over have successfully applied for social assistance alongside student support and housing allowances, Kela retains discretion over whom it requires to apply for a student loan first. This requirement aims to ensure that students leverage the financial support available through loans before tapping into social assistance, which could potentially lead to a dependence on state funding.

The impact of these procedural changes is significant as many students rely heavily on the combination of student support, housing allowances, and loans to finance their education. Understanding these new requirements is essential for students as they navigate their financial support options during their studies, particularly for those in unique situations, such as young people transitioning from foster care who have had different funding paths. A well-informed student base can better manage their financial aid and plan their academic journeys accordingly, making these clarifications crucial during the adjustment period following the reforms.