The reform is planned to come into force on 1 August 2022. The proposed changes in legislation are due to be discussed in Parliament in autumn 2021, which means they could be approved in late 2021 at the earliest. As this is a wide-reaching reform, sufficient time must be reserved for its preparation. Among other things, the reform will require updates to Kela’s information systems and communications to future parents, as well as the training of various authorities.
As the entire parental allowance system would change, the new parental allowances would be introduced in stages. The new regulations would only apply to those families whose right to parental allowance starts after 1 August 2022. In practice, this would mean that pregnancy allowance, generally granted based on the expected time of delivery, would start on 1 August 2022 or later. If the maternity allowance period is due to start before the act comes into effect, the current parental allowance regulations will apply (including the other parent).