Working is not required?

[Mizu1993]

There is one question which is often in my head. I am living in Finland since 1 1/2 years, have a 16 month old child and my fiance is working. Me and my child are at home and my fiance is working. Sometimes I hear that I will have to work sooner or later anyway and from some people I hear that option of just staying at home and it should be easy. I can't imagine to get and have enough money from the support that the government gives to people. From some people I hear, you should only work if you want to, they give you enough money anyway and from some I hear, that you'll need to work at some point to have enough money cause you don't get enough money support here. I'm confused and curious at the same time. Someone has some experience in this?

[FinnGuyHelsinki]

It comes down to what you have repeated, "enough money". So what is enough money? It is possible to live, i.e. survive, somehow, somewhere, without working at all (meaning also declining to work and activities aimed at getting work when offered, leading to reduction in support payments). Also depends on how one is working the system (legally or not). Obviously living hand to mouth greatly limits any planning for the future and will eventually affect your child through all the things you cannot afford (hobbies,...) and providing a somewhat questionable example.

[Upphew]

It comes down to what you have repeated, "enough money". So what is enough money? It is possible to live, i.e. survive, somehow, somewhere, without working at all (meaning also declining to work and activities aimed at getting work when offered, leading to reduction in support payments). Also depends on how one is working the system (legally or not). Obviously living hand to mouth greatly limits any planning for the future and will eventually affect your child through all the things you cannot afford (hobbies,...) and providing a somewhat questionable example.

Then there is pension. It won't be !"#¤% if you don't work. If one is pondering stay at home mom/dad career, the pension stuff should be thought out. And thus paid somehow.

[browndude]

At the moment, yes it is true that you don't have to work unless you want to. The law of the land is such that you will be given enough money so that you will not starve or freeze to death on the street. The amount of money you get is very, very minimal and you will barely make it. Also, I do not think they will be as generous to immigrants in the coming years in this regard. Unless you are contributing in some way such as bringing up children etc..., you will be looked upon as a drain on this society and if the law ever changes-and I think it will at some point-or if you are in a situation where you suddenly have to find a job, then you will be at a severe disadvantage. So in my opinion, I would not pay too much attention to those who say that you can keep living off the welfare.