The financial situation of families weakened over the last decade when compared with the general population. Parents of one in four must seek public support for income.
Piia Siljander, a 28 years studying to become a confectioner, is a single mother of three children, is older than five. This single-parent family lived off of public assistance payments of income over the past two years.
"Kindergarten is naturally a help during the day at night when I'm studying, my mom helps out as she can," explains Siljander.
After covering the costs of housing, this family of four has about 1200 euros per month in disposable income. Since the cost of everyday essentials is subtracted, only a couple of hundred lies to the left.
"One can live without extra frills, but wouldn't it be wonderful some time be able to go to the amusement park. Now, that is not possible. "
"Insufficient Income support"
One in four parents in Finland currently live in relative poverty, which means that their incomes are less than 60% of the national average. Fifteen years ago, less than one tenth of one-parent families were in that position.
"After a while, living in relief gradually Gets on your nerves. You have to go into debt all the time to feed their children. Income support is insufficient when you have to buy winter shoes and gloves and snowsuits to the three children, "says Piia Siljander.
Siljander took nearly 10000 euros in loans and other debts.
All parents get monthly child benefit for dependent children under 17 years. Since 1994, the same amount from child benefits is subtracted from any income support that a family receives. Piia Siljander believes that this unfair.
"Every family is paid child benefits. Just seems pretty crazy that families with income less those who really need the benefits of child, get them taken away, "she says.
This spring, Siljander should finish his studies and be certified as a professional confectioner. She prefers to be optimistic about the future.
"Nothing will ever moaning and complaining. One should try to trust that things to come for the best. "
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