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Updated 30 Apr 2026
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about major life events. The answers are based on Finnish legislation and authority information. You can continue to a personal plan or a deeper guide.
Death
Death and estate inventory
- What should I do first when a loved one has died?
- If the death happens at home without medical supervision, call 112. In a hospital or care home, staff handle the death certificate. In Finland, the death is registered automatically with DVV. Contact a funeral home within 1–3 days.A loved one died — step-by-step guide →
- When must the estate inventory be completed?
- The estate inventory must be completed within 3 months of death. The deed must be sent to the Tax Administration within 1 month after the meeting. You can request an extension in MyTax before the deadline.Estate inventory guide →
- Does a cohabiting partner inherit in Finland?
- No, not automatically. A cohabiting partner inherits only through a will. They may claim compensation for contributions to a joint household in some cases, but that is not inheritance.Cohabiting partner inheritance rights →
- What rights does a surviving spouse have?
- A spouse may have marital property rights, equalisation protection, the right to remain in the shared home and survivor benefits. Cohabiting partners do not have the same rights.Surviving spouse rights →
- How much is inheritance tax?
- An inheritance share under EUR 20,000 is tax-free. Above that, tax is progressive and depends on the tax class. Inheritance tax matters are usually handled within 9 months of death.Inheritance tax 2026 →
- Do I need to notify the bank?
- Yes. DVV registration is automatic, but the bank may not receive the information immediately. Notify the bank as soon as possible. Funeral expenses can usually be paid from the frozen account against an invoice.Death estate at the bank →
- Can funeral expenses be paid from the deceased person’s account?
- Usually yes. Ask the funeral home for an invoice addressed to the estate and give it to the bank.
- How far back can survivor pension be paid?
- Kela survivor benefits are generally not paid retroactively for more than 6 months before the application date. Apply as soon as possible.
- What if the estate has more debt than assets?
- Heirs are usually not personally liable for the deceased person’s debts. Do not pay debts with your own money before the estate inventory. Seek professional help if the estate is clearly insolvent.
- Can I do the estate inventory myself?
- Yes, if the estate is simple. For a complex estate, use a lawyer, funeral home, bank or accounting office.Estate inventory guide →
- What is the difference between estate inventory and distribution?
- Estate inventory is a mandatory listing for tax purposes. Distribution is the later step where assets are divided between heirs.Distribution of inheritance guide →
- What is an estate distributor?
- An estate distributor is a neutral lawyer appointed by a district court when heirs cannot agree on distribution.Distribution of inheritance guide →
Unemployment
Job loss and unemployment security
- How much is unemployment allowance in 2026?
- Kela’s basic unemployment allowance is EUR 37.21 per day, about EUR 800 per month. Earnings-related allowance from an unemployment fund depends on salary and is often higher.Unemployment allowance 2026 →
- What is the difference between lay-off and termination?
- In a lay-off, employment continues but work and pay are suspended. In termination, employment ends after the notice period.Lay-off or termination →
- What should I do immediately after losing my job?
- Register as a jobseeker on Job Market Finland on your first day of unemployment. Apply for allowance from your fund or Kela and submit the required attachments.
- What is the waiting period?
- The waiting period is 5 working days at the start of unemployment. Allowance is not paid for those days.
- What does a sanction period mean?
- It is a period when allowance is not paid, for example after resigning without a valid reason.
- How long is allowance paid?
- The maximum period is usually 300 working days. In some older age groups it can be 500 working days.
- Is unemployment fund membership worth it?
- If you meet the conditions, earnings-related allowance can be much higher than Kela’s basic allowance. Membership in the unemployment fund is what matters.
- What are cooperation negotiations?
- They are statutory negotiations between employer and personnel before significant redundancies or lay-offs.
Service
About this service
- Is the service free?
- Yes. Elämäntilanne is free for users. We do not ask for a credit card, show ads or sell your data.
- Where does the information come from?
- Information comes from Finlex and authority data from Kela, the Tax Administration, DVV and THL. Deadlines and figures are calculated in code, not by AI.
- Can I rely on the advice?
- The service provides general information. For your personal situation, verify details with the relevant authority or a professional.
- Is my information stored?
- In normal use, your information stays in browser sessionStorage. A shareable saved link is created only if you choose to save.
- Is the service available in several languages?
- Yes. The interface, forms, plans, guide quick summaries and this FAQ now support seven languages.
- Can my funeral home appear in the service?
- Yes. Funeral homes can join the partner network and get a dedicated page and visibility in the death-event flow.
This is general information, not legal, tax or banking advice. In personal situations, consult authorities or professionals.