Recipients need more guidance, counselling

The transfer of basic income support to the social insurance institution-Kela has increased the need for guidance and counselling services for the people in need of social assistance, found a survey by the Finnish language newspaper consortium Lännen Media.

Social workers monitor to ensure that fundamental rights of customers who receive Kela decisions materialize.

Guidance and counselling related to Kela’s basic income support have increased significantly.

The role of the social workers has changed to that of a customer’s ‘advocates’, said a social welfare director interviewed by the Lännen Media.

The transfer of the basic income support to Kela has also brought about good things.

The survey found that social workers have had more time to do the actual social work for instance and meeting clients, focusing on their situation.

‘Now is the best time to become familiar with client’s overall situation when financial issues are not the main subject of the affair,’ the answers given by the respondents revealed.

The survey was answered by a dozen social welfare directors from different parts of the country.