Navigating the Aftermath: Essential Documentation for Disability or Death Claims in Finland

The unexpected can strike at any moment

Whether it's a sudden injury leading to permanent harm (pysyvä haitta) or the unthinkable scenario of accidental death, the claims process in Finland is precise and bureaucratic.

For light entrepreneurs and freelancers using Palkkaguru, the process involves two layers:

1. Statutory Coverage: Based on your YEL (Pension Insurance).

2. Palkkaguru Group Insurance: The extra accident insurance included in your service.

Here is the essential documentation you need to navigate these complex claims in Finland.

Essential Documentation for Permanent Handicap (Pysyvä Haitta)

In Finland, "Permanent Handicap" is a specific medical concept defined by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. It is not just "I can't work"; it is "my body is permanently damaged." To claim the lump-sum compensation from Palkkaguru’s group insurance, you need:

The "E-Statement" (E-lääkärinlausunto)

This is the most critical document for the initial claim.

• What it is: A specific medical form used for accident and traffic injuries. It details the initial visit, the diagnosis, and the immediate cause of the injury.

• When to get it: Immediately after the first doctor's visit.

The "B-Statement" (B-lääkärinlausunto)

If the disability continues or becomes permanent, the insurance company will demand this.

• What it is: A comprehensive statement where the doctor evaluates your functional capacity (toimintakyky), the permanence of the handicap, and the need for rehabilitation.

• Why it matters: The insurance company uses this to determine your "Degree of Handicap" (Haittaluokka 1–20), which dictates how much money you receive.

Notification of Injury (Tapaturmailmoitus)

You must file this with Palkkaguru (or the insurance partner directly). It must state clearly:

• Time and Place: Was it during work or on the commute?

• Circumstances: What exactly happened? (e.g., "I slipped on ice while walking to a client meeting").

Essential Documentation for Accidental Death

In Finland, the process for accidental death is strictly regulated. If a freelancer dies in a work-related accident, the following documents are non-negotiable for the beneficiaries.

Police Investigation Protocol (Poliisitutkintapöytäkirja)

Unlike natural deaths, all accidental deaths in Finland are investigated by the police to rule out crime and establish the cause.

• Requirement: The insurance company will usually require the police report before paying out accidental death compensation.

Death Certificate (Kuolintodistus)

Issued by the treating doctor or forensic pathologist (oikeuslääkäri).

• Note: You often need the "cause of death" section to prove it was an accident (external cause) rather than a sudden illness (heart attack), as accident insurance does not cover illnesses.

Estate Inventory Deed (Perukirja)

This is the Finnish equivalent of "estate documents."

• Why it’s needed: It legally lists who the heirs and beneficiaries are. The insurance company needs this (or a specific Extract from the Population System—Virkatodistus) to know exactly who to pay the money to.

Income Verification: The Freelancer’s Challenge

When claiming for Loss of Income (daily allowance or disability pension), "payslips" are not enough.

YEL Confirmation

If you claim a statutory disability pension, the amount is based on your confirmed YEL income (työtulo), not your actual invoicing. You will need your latest decisions from your pension provider (Elo, Varma, Ilmarinen).

Palkkaguru Salary Certificate

For the Group Accident Insurance (which may pay a temporary daily allowance), you will need proof of your active earnings.

• Action: Request a "Salary Certificate" (Palkkatodistus) from Palkkaguru support. This proves that you were actively working and invoicing at the time of the accident.

Practical Example: The "Commute" Fall

Scenario: You are a Palkkaguru user. You slip on ice walking from the bus stop to your client’s office and shatter your ankle, resulting in permanent stiffness.

The Document Checklist:

1. Tapaturmailmoitus: Filed via Palkkaguru, stating you were on a commute (työmatka).

2. E-lausunto: From the emergency room doctor (for immediate medical expense reimbursement).

3. B-lausunto: From an orthopedist 1 year later, confirming the ankle is permanently stiff (for Permanent Handicap compensation).

4. Salary Certificate: From Palkkaguru (to calculate your daily allowance for sick leave).

Key Takeaways for Palkkaguru Users

• Medical Forms Matter: Do not just ask for a "medical note." Ask specifically for an E-lausunto (for accidents) or B-lausunto (for disability).

• Police Procedures are Mandatory: In accidental death cases, the police investigation is standard procedure in Finland—do not be alarmed, but expect a delay in the insurance payout until it is ready.

• YEL is King: Your statutory disability pension depends on your YEL level, while your accident compensation depends on the insurance terms.

Take Action Now: Ensure your beneficiary details (edunsaajamääräys) are up to date in your own private life insurance policies. For Palkkaguru’s group insurance, compensation generally follows the standard legal order (spouse/children), so keeping your family relations updated in the Population Information System (Väestötietojärjestelmä) is key. Do you need more information? Contact us!

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