How to apply
A person who needs personal assistance applies for the service through their wellbeing service county (hyvinvointialue). The wellbeing services counties organize personal assistance in slightly different ways, but they are obligated to provide personal assistance to persons with disabilities who, under the law, are entitled to it.
Keep in mind that you have the right to appeal the decision. If your application is rejected or you are not granted the number of hours you applied for, you can appeal the decision. Information on how to appeal is included in the decision.
Who can receive personal assistance?
You yourself, or your legal guardian/representative, apply for the service of personal assistance. After that, the wellbeing services county assesses your needs.
Under the Disability Services Act, a person is entitled to personal assistance if they necessarily and repeatedly need another person’s help with functions related to normal daily life, provided that:
- The need for services and support is not met sufficiently and appropriately through measures offered under the Social Welfare Act.
- The person has the capacity to define their need for assistance and how the assistance is to be organized and carried out.
- The need for help does not mainly concern care, nursing, and supervision and therefore cannot primarily be met through personal assistance.
The starting point is that all persons with disabilities, regardless of diagnosis or age, should be covered by the system of personal assistance.
Personal assistance may be granted for the necessary help you need at home or outside the home:
- In daily activities, such as transportation and other mobility needs, dressing, personal hygiene, laundry and meal services, maintaining order in the home, and running errands
- In work, studies, and in some cases at day activity centers
- In leisure activities
- In participation in society and
- In maintaining social contacts.