YEL and sickness allowance for the self-employed

YEL insurance helps build your pension, but it also affects various social security benefits, including the sickness allowance paid by Kela. The amount of your YEL income determines how much sickness allowance you may receive.

The amount of sickness allowance is based on your YEL income. Kela calculates sickness allowance using your annual income. For the self-employed, annual income is based on YEL income. Annual income is calculated using the 12 calendar months preceding the calendar month before your sickness allowance begins.

Use our YEL calculator to see how your YEL income affects sickness allowance and other benefits 

If your YEL income has changed during the 12-month review period, Kela uses your average YEL income when calculating the allowance.

After a one-day waiting period, Kela first pays YEL allowance for nine working days. After that, you may receive sickness allowance.

Read more about sickness allowance for the self-employed on Kela's website 

If you fall ill, follow these steps:

1.    Obtain a medical certificate (certificate A for shorter periods of illness and certificate B for longer periods).
2. Submit a sickness allowance claim to Kela and attach the medical certificate.
3. Apply for sickness allowance within two months of the start of your disability.

Read more about applying for sickness allowance on Kela's website 

A short period of illness is not a reason to terminate your YEL insurance. If necessary, you can apply for additional time to pay your YEL contributions through Varma Online Service.

Apply for extra payment time in Varma Online Service 

If your sick leave lasts longer, for example several months, your YEL insurance may be terminated. When you return to work after your sick leave, you will need to take out a new YEL insurance policy.

Read more about terminating YEL insurance