Kela benefits.

[Narien]

.

[rinso]

but does that all change if I get into school

unfortunately for you, yes.
if the reason for your stay here changes, your type of RP changes.
If you keep quiet about it, they will find out when you have to renew your RP.
Claiming Kela money on false pretences means pay back.

[Narien]

.

[inkku]

To my understanding you would be eligible for Kela support
http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english. ... enDocument

"Citizens of other EU countries or of Switzerland or Liechtenstein

You are eligible for financial aid if your right to residence in Finland has been registered and you are in Finland for some other principal purpose than to attend school. You can get financial aid if

* the basis for the registration of your right of residence is employment or self-employment in Finland, and you can show proof of employment/self-employment (documentation from employer, a certificate of employment or a statement concerning self-employment)
* the basis for the registration of your right of residence is that you and your family have sufficient funds and, where necessary, can show proof of health insurance coverage (i.e., the purpose of residence in Finland is something other than employment or education), or
* you have a residence permit and you are in Finland for some other principal purpose than to attend school.

You are also eligible for financial aid if you have a right to permanent residence in Finland as defined in Chapter 10 of the Aliens Act."

[Narien]

"To my understanding you would be eligible for Kela support
http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english. ... enDocument "

I have read this too, but I think that if I am no longer working and I go to study, my reason for being in Finland changes.
Maybe I should go into the Kela office and ask, but I really dislike that place

[Narien]

It also makes me a little doubtful, as my application for a Kela card was turned down.

[inkku]

We are naturally laymen in terms of Kela decision making, but if you don't reveal all the facts here it is impossible to give any further views. Why was your application for Kela membership turned down? What was the reason? Did you appeal? For sure, if you are not member in Kela ou will not get any benefit whatever.

The procedure is, you are here permanently for working ("the basis for the registration of your right of residence is employment"), while you are working you apply for Kela membership, when you get it, then you decide you would like to study and apply for student support.

[Narien]

" Why was your application for Kela membership turned down? What was the reason? Did you appeal? For sure, if you are not member in Kela ou will not get any benefit whatever."

They said it was because I didn't earn enough and that I didn't own my own property; because I live where I work :/

[rinso]

They said it was because.....

The information they give you at Kela is not always correct.
If the personnel doesn't feel comfortable speaking English, they sometimes give very condensed answers. Always try to check elsewhere.

[interleukin]

Any application made at KELA should result in a written decision letter that is sent home. Get a friend who speaks Finnish to read it through with you carefully so you better know why they rejected you.