KELA and sick leave issue

NatskuLove · Post by **NatskuLove** » Sat Jun 27, 2015 10:42 pm

I am on sick leave but KELA has decided that I am able to work. I'm making an appeal but I'm assuming that will take a long time. I'm unemployed so is the correct thing to do to report as a job seeker even if I can't (according to my doctor) work? How can they decide something like that without even meeting me?! It seems worse than the ATOS stuff in the UK, at least they put on the pretence of examining people.

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NatskuLove · Post by **NatskuLove** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:11 am

I stopped reporting in October when I got sick. KELA approved the sick leave and I've been on sick pay until the end of April when they suddenly decided to not approve it any more, but they didn't make that decision until this month, so haven't had any money since April.

Eight months?! Can't be without money for that long. I'm applying for rehabilitation but won't be able to even get to the therapy without money, which means it'll take even longer to be well enough to work. KELA doesn't seem to be working too smartly.

rinso · Post by **rinso** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:47 am

KELA doesn't seem to be working too smartly.

Welcome to the Finnish bureaucracy.

Since you're unemployed you're available for any job. Unless your doctor states that you're unable to do any work, Kela has a loophole for its "do not pay" policy.

NatskuLove · Post by **NatskuLove** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 1:36 pm

Not single, I did go to Sossu at the beginning of this month and was able to get some money because my OH didn't get paid much the previous month (his pay varies from month to month) but I think this month he got more so can't go there. I did ask the social worker what to do but she wasn't sure either.

I think it must be because of the length of the sick leave, its not at the limit for declaring permanently unfit but past some point that I guess they don't like. I got a letter from them last week, they're forwarding my appeal to the sosiaaliturvan muutoshakulautakunta but they've written in it that I have given no papers to show that I can't work - surely the doctor paper stating that is one? I'm going to send the doctor paper to the appeal board.

betelgeuse · Post by **betelgeuse** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 1:52 pm

NatskuLove wrote:I am on sick leave but KELA has decided that I am able to work. I'm making an appeal but I'm assuming that will take a long time. I'm unemployed so is the correct thing to do to report as a job seeker even if I can't (according to my doctor) work? How can they decide something like that without even meeting me?! It seems worse than the ATOS stuff in the UK, at least they put on the pretence of examining people.

The law on unemployment benefits considers you ineligible only if you get sickness allowance from Kela:

https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/ ... 21290#L3P3

TE-keskus does not rely on Kela decisions so the doctors note could still work with them on you not being required to actually apply for anything.

NatskuLove wrote:Not single, I did go to Sossu at the beginning of this month and was able to get some money because my OH didn't get paid much the previous month (his pay varies from month to month) but I think this month he got more so can't go there. I did ask the social worker what to do but she wasn't sure either.

Since you can't rely on getting income support, you should apply for unemployment benefits from Kela. I am not sure if a new statement from TE-keskus is needed.

NatskuLove · Post by **NatskuLove** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:24 pm

Thanks. I guess I better go to the TE-office and see what they say about needing a new statement or not.

Flossy1978 · Post by **Flossy1978** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:06 pm

Maybe you should also look into getting more confirmation about your medical issue? One doctor's not from six months ago, I should think isn't very substantial.

Good luck!

NatskuLove · Post by **NatskuLove** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:53 pm

The doctor's note isn't from 6 months ago, its the newest B lausunto that KELA asked for in April, there's been several notes during the whole time. I have another appointment end of July but an urgent appointment with a nurse next week.

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