The number of disability pension applications submitted by entrepreneurs in Finland has risen by more than 10 per cent over the past year, amid increasing stress levels and work demands, according to figures from Elo.

The latest data also revealed that the number of approved applications has grown at a similar pace, with the trend now stabilising at a higher level than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Elo, the largest pension insurer for entrepreneurs in Finland, said the findings highlighted ongoing challenges in supporting entrepreneurs’ work ability.

“We see that many entrepreneurs are receiving too little and too late support for their work ability challenges,” commented Elo director of work ability, Kati Korhonen-Yrjänheikki.

She identified two primary reasons behind the continued increase in disability pension applications among entrepreneurs: the gradual rise in the minimum retirement age and a more difficult operating environment for small business owners.

“We have been through very difficult economic times and a prolonged period when the outlook for the future has been exceptionally uncertain. The Finnish entrepreneurial community has indeed been put to the test,” Korhonen-Yrjänheikki explained.

Indeed, Elo’s latest survey of small entrepreneurs, conducted in October 2025, highlighted the strain facing Finland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) entrepreneurs reported that their work had become more demanding over the past year, while 40 per cent said they were experiencing severe stress.

Nonetheless, the typical entrepreneur applying for a disability pension was a 57-year-old man suffering from serious musculoskeletal disorders, Elo’s data showed.

Applications from entrepreneurs over the age of 60 have also grown rapidly, now accounting for 34 per cent of new claims.

By comparison, employees typically applied for disability pensions at an average age of 54, which is five years earlier than entrepreneurs.

Korhonen-Yrjänheikki warned that many entrepreneurs lacked access to early or preventive support for work-related issues affecting their ability.

“Not everyone has access to occupational health services, and the problems of access to treatment on the public side are also regrettably visible among entrepreneurs,” she warned.

In many cases, entrepreneurs only contacted their pension company once their health had significantly deteriorated.

Korhonen-Yrjänheikki emphasised that it would benefit both individuals and society if contact were made earlier.

“These entrepreneurs don't give up easily. On the contrary, it seems difficult for many to admit that their working capacity has taken a severe hit," she continued.

"At the moment, many entrepreneurs feel that there is little support available and that they are very alone with their situation.

"While vocational rehabilitation can help some continue their careers, many cases have progressed too far for such measures to be effective," added the director.

Subsequently, Korhonen-Yrjänheikki called for a review of current regulations to allow pension companies to offer preventive support for disability risks among entrepreneurs, similar to the early intervention measures available to employees.

“It would be in the interest of both the entrepreneurs themselves and society if we at pension companies could help entrepreneurs identify work capacity risks and seek help for work capacity challenges at an early stage,” she stated.

“This would, at best, prevent serious work capacity challenges and also save on costs by avoiding disability pensions.”

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