Open AccessFarmers’ work-related social security in Finland, implemented by Mela
Author(s) -
Antti Huhtamäki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ubezpieczenia w rolnictwie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1507-4757
DOI - 10.48058/urms/74.2020.9
Subject(s) - social security , social insurance , business , revenue , pension , work (physics) , economic growth , finance , political science , economics , mechanical engineering , law , engineering
Mela is the Farmers’ Social Insurance Institution of Finland (in Finnish: Maatalousyrittäjien eläkelaitos) founded in 1969. It provides comprehensive pension cover and social security to farmers, reindeer herders, fishermen, forest owners and recipients of scientific or artistic grants and scholarships living in Finland. In addition to providing pension insurance (MYEL), Mela provides its customers: statutory occupational accident insurance, leisuretime accident insurance, Mela sickness allowance, occupational rehabilitation, group life insurance, and farm closure support for farmers and reindeer herders. It also administers the farmers’ holiday and stand-in scheme, and provides advisory services related to occupational safety and wellbeing at work. The social security provided by Mela was originally addresses to farmers, reindeer herders, fishermen, forest owners. Since 2009 also recipients of scientific and artistic grants/scholarships are Mela’s customers. This article presents the most importantstages in the development of social insurance for agricultural entrepreneurs in Finland and the evolution of this system until today. It also explains different benefits offered by Mela and the rules of being subject to social insurance by Mela, as well as the financial economy of Mela, including Mela’s sources of revenue. Finally, it presents tailored programmes and actions offered by Mela to the insured.