A study population of 2,000 persons who will participate in the basic income experiment has been selected by random sample.They will be notified at the end of December.
The sample was drawn, with some exceptions, from among persons between 25 and 58 whom Kela paid labour market subsidy or basic unemployment allowance in November 2016 for some other reason than a temporary layoff. Those receiving earnings-related unemployment allowance were not included in the sampling.
The sample was drawn from about 175,000 persons, who make up the target population for the basic income experiment. A study population of 2,000 individuals was selected from their ranks. Those included in the study population will be paid a monthly basic income of €560 for a period of two years.
According to Marjukka Turunen, head of Kela's Legal Affairs Unit, 48% of the study group are women and 52% men. Thirty percent are between 25 and 34 years of age, 29% between 35 and 44, and 41% between 45 and 58. As of November 2016, 87% received labour market subsidy and 13% basic unemployment allowance.
Participation in the experiment is obligatory, which means that the study population will remain the same for the entire period of two years.
However, payment of the basic income may be interrupted or terminated if a participant's circumstances change. Basic income is not available for example if one begins to receive child home care allowance, enters military or alternative non-military service, or moves abroad. New participants will not be selected to replace those whose basic income is interrupted or terminated.
Information letter to participants will be posted on 28 December
Persons selected for the study population will receive an information letter around the turn of the year. Kela will send out the letters on 28 December 2016. Advance enquiries concerning membership in the study population will not be answered.
The basic income experiment will begin on 1 January 2017. The first payments to the participants will made on 9 January 2017.
Additional information:
kela.fi/basic-income-experiment-2017-2018
For media inquiries, contact:
Marjukka Turunen, Head of the Legal Affairs Unit, Tel. 020 634 3429
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