Statistics Finland reports that some 33,000 Helsinki homes received government-backed housing aid from the social insurance institution Kela at the end of 2014, representing some 63,000 residents. A little more than half of the households consisted of people living alone, and every third recipient was a single male.
The average amount paid monthly at the end of 2014 was 346 euros when living expenses amounted to 699 euros. Only a quarter of recipients received earned income simultaneously.
During the ongoing recession housing benefit payments have increased sharply, with the number of recipients rising by 60 percent from 2008. The need for government aid has increased quicker in Helsinki than elsewhere in Finland.
Residents of Vantaa also receive more housing benefits than the rest of the country. Espoo, neighbour to both Vantaa and Helsinki, does not derogate from the national trend.