Finland’s Pohde Wins Court Case on Disability Support

Why this is here: Pohde’s system involves paying assistants directly through a payroll system, allowing the individual receiving care to act as the employer and approve time sheets.

Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court ruled on Monday in favor of Pohde, a wellbeing services area, allowing it to decide how personal assistance is arranged. The court considered a case involving a person with disabilities who preferred to pay their assistant through an accounting firm. Pohde had been compensating assistants directly via its payroll system, with the individual acting as the employer while submitting time reports.

The court found Pohde considered the person’s wishes when deciding on an employer model for personal assistance. Despite previous negative experiences with the wellbeing area acting as a substitute payer, the court determined the arrangement did not impede the individual’s ability to fulfill employer responsibilities. Pohde maintains responsibility for supervision and work direction under this system.

The ruling was decided by a vote of 4 to 1. The court’s decision clarifies how wellbeing areas can organize personal assistance while respecting the rights and self-determination of people with disabilities, but ongoing evaluation of individual needs remains essential.