Social security and rights when you fall ill

The status, rights and obligations of patients and clients are laid down in the law. The Patient Act applies to public and private health care, while the Client Act applies to social welfare.

Illness can bring with it a lot of issues related to social security and rights. Anyone who is unable to obtain the security required for a dignified life is entitled to the necessary livelihood and care.The public authorities must ensure adequate health and social services. 

The patient has the right to good quality health and medical care. They must be treated without violating human dignity and with respect for their beliefs and privacy. The patient’s mother tongue, individual needs and culture must be taken into account in their care and how they are treated. When implementing health and medical care, a plan regarding the examination, treatment or medical rehabilitation, or other similar plan must be produced when necessary. 

Right to social services and social security

The purpose of social security benefits and social services is to ensure sufficient income and care in all life situations. The wellbeing services county must arrange guidance and communications on matters related to social services and social security benefits. Social services must be provided to support everyday life, housing and economic survival as well as the balanced development and wellbeing of a child.

In addition, they must respond to support needs arising from substance abuse, mental health problems or other illnesses, disability, ageing or reduced functional capacity, domestic or intimate partner violence, a sudden crisis situation or a need for support for a loved one. Social services must prevent discrimination against clients and support their inclusion.

All benefits and services must be applied for with a personal application. In some cases, a doctor’s statement from the treating physician must be attached. You can get help with applying from health and social service professionals. The authorities also have a statutory obligation to provide information and guidance. Applications are usually made in writing, but with the consent of the authority, the application can also be initiated orally. This may be the case, for example, if the applicant is unable to fill in the application.

The application always receives a written decision with instructions for appealing. These and their time limits must be complied with literally, as even a day’s delay prevents appeals from being processed. Additional clarifications can always be provided afterwards.

Non-Discrimination Act

The provisions on fundamental and human rights are supplemented by the provisions on the promotion of equality, the prohibition of discrimination and the legal protection of victims of discrimination specified in the Non-Discrimination Act. Discrimination can sometimes constitute a criminal matter.

The Non-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of a person’s state of health or disability in all public and private activities, with the exception of private and family life and religious practice.

Direct discrimination means that someone is treated less favourably than others in a similar situation because of a reason related to the person. In addition to direct discrimination, discrimination prohibited by the Non-Discrimination Act includes indirect discrimination (treatment that appears equal but leads to a de-facto discriminatory outcome), harassment that violates a person’s dignity, urging someone else to discriminate, and denial of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. Discrimination is prohibited regardless of whether it’s based on a fact or assumption concerning the person or concerning someone else. For example, it’s forbidden to discriminate against a child’s parent because of the child’s illness or disability.