Personal aid for persons with severe disabilities

Personal aid is a form of help meant to assist a person with severe disabilities in their daily chores, work, studies, hobbies, societal participation and social relationships. A sufficient amount of personal assistance must be arranged for the customer for daily chores, work and studies. In addition, a minimum of 30 hours per month should be allocated for hobbies, societal participation and maintaining social relationships.

The customer may apply for personal aid via their own residential area's social work services for the disabled, using a Disability Services Application form. Swedish-speaking customers should apply for the service via the Eastern Office of the social work services for the disabled, where they can receive service in Swedish.

The service covers the costs of hiring personal aid. This means that the disabled person will act as the employer, and services will either be paid for with a service voucher or purchased by the municipality.

The service itself is free of charge for the customer.

Concerning employers who belong to the Heta association, the Employment Contract of Personal Aids signed by the association will be adhered to.

Prerequisites:

The prerequisite to receive personal aid is that the person with the severe disability is able to express the need for assistance and its form of implementation themselves. The need for assistance must be long-term or permanent.

The social worker will work to determine the customer's service needs together with the customer and their close network. A doctor's statement on the permanent nature of the assistance is required for the decision. If necessary, statements from other professionals may also be considered in evaluating the need for personal aid.

Granting personal aid is based on a service plan. The decision on the execution method and hours of assistance will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The service is provided for the residents of Helsinki.

Available languages:

Finnish, Swedish