I opened KELA’s service page, selected login with ”mobile certificate,” and confirmed my identity with a fingerprint scan. Within seconds I could view my personal benefit information—child benefit, student healthcare contributions, and housing allowance—with clear explanations. The interface uses plain language, and accessibility settings (e.g. adjustable font size and high-contrast mode) ensure that various user groups can navigate easily. Notifications on my phone about new documents have replaced printed mail, saving both time and trees. Overall, KELA’s strong certificate-based authentication solution has made accessing social security services both secure and pleasantly smooth compared to the old paper forms.

I have been self-employed for ten years, and when I logged into KEVA’s pension calculator, the result was grim. The pension accrued as an entrepreneur is significantly lower than that of a public-sector salaried employee. My pension statement showed a projected benefit far smaller than I expected. It is possible to top up my future pension through voluntary additional contributions or private savings, but it is not easy to retrospectively adjust past insurance contributions on the social-security side. This has given me much to reflect on. One should therefore review their pension strategy regularly—and ideally with an advisor—while still young, before it’s too late to influence the size of one’s pension.

Among online stores, eBay remains my favorite, but I always compare its prices and product details with those of Finnish brick-and-mortar shops.
For example, I recently looked for a mid-range wireless router: on eBay the price including shipping to Finland was about €55, whereas in domestic electronics retailers the same model cost around €85. In Finland, sellers provide thorough technical specifications, Finnish-language warranty terms, and the option to pick up the product immediately or use local customer support. eBay listings are often international and rely on seller-provided descriptions and photos; while user reviews help gauge trustworthiness, language barriers and delivery times can create uncertainty. eBay’s Money Back Guarantee adds a layer of security, but I always read reviews carefully and confirm the return policy before purchasing. In the end, eBay can offer lower prices and unique finds, but those savings must be weighed against potential import fees, delivery delays, and more cumbersome warranty processes.

I’ve been heavily involved with the Työmarkkinatori.fi portal, provided by Finland’s public employment authorities. By logging in with Suomi.fi credentials (mobile certificate or online banking codes), job seekers can register as unemployed with the authorities—who then assess their eligibility for benefits—build a profile that automatically suggests suitable job openings based on skills, location, and experience, and employers can post vacancies and screen candidates—all within a single interface. Having worked closely on Työmarkkinatori in recent months, I know it’s still evolving: version 4.0 will roll out soon, bringing deeper integration with TE Services for benefit and training applications, smarter matching algorithms, and enhanced mobile usability for both job seekers and officials. Users—job seekers, employers, and caseworkers alike—appreciate its clear, mobile-friendly design and built-in accessibility features. Työmarkkinatori.fi perfectly illustrates how a public-sector digital service can streamline complex labor-market processes and deliver real, everyday value.

Bridging the digital divide

Digitalization brings efficiency and convenience, but it also creates a divide for those unable or unwilling to use virtual services. Without a smartphone, reliable internet access, or digital skills, people risk losing access to essential benefits, health records, and financial tools. For instance, pensioners who cannot log into KELA or KEVA online due to missing devices or lack of skills must rely on slower in-person visits and paper forms. Consumers who struggle to compare prices online or use health-tech apps may end up exposed to misleading information or paying more. The solution lies in maintaining parallel traditional channels—telephone hotlines, service points, and printed guides—and providing digital-skills training for those who need it. The goal should be an inclusive digital ecosystem that enhances everyone’s equal access to services rather than deepening inequalities for those offline.