The number of applications for payment-free months has increased and processing has become congested

More applications for payment-free months in enforcement have been submitted during January–May this year than during the corresponding period in previous years.

Last year, approximately 104,000 applications for payment-free months were processed between January and May. This year, nearly 109,000 applications have been processed during the first five months, which is about four per cent more than during the corresponding period last year.

At present, there is congestion in the processing of applications for payment-free months and for restriction in the amount of garnishment due to the high number of applications and the start of the holiday season.

The National Enforcement Authority Finland reminds customers that separately contacting the authority or requesting urgent processing will not speed up the handling of the matter. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks. Decisions are sent primarily as Suomi.fi Messages. If the applicant has not activated digital official communications, the decision will be sent by post.

During January–May this year, a favourable decision was issued in 53 per cent of applications and a negative decision in 47 per cent. The ratio of favourable to negative decisions is the same as during the corresponding period last year.

A payment-free month is a relief measure related to the garnishment of wages. When the conditions laid down by law are met, no wages are garnished during a certain period. Payment-free months can be granted after garnishment of wages has continued uninterrupted, or almost uninterrupted, for one year.

A payment-free month does not apply to a tax refund, which means that a tax refund is garnished as usual despite a payment-free month.