Cumulative vulnerabilities increase perceived unmet needs and delays in access to social services in migrant origin and Finnish-born populations

Equitable access to social services is a key principle of Nordic welfare states. However, individuals in vulnerable situations, including those of migrant origin, may face compounded barriers that hinder timely and adequate support. While healthcare access among migrants has been studied, social services remain underexplored. This study examines perceived unmet needs and access to social services among migrant origin populations exposed to specific vulnerabilities, comparing them to Finnish origin individuals with the same vulnerability profiles. We used two nationally representative cross-sectional datasets: MoniSuomi for foreign-born adults ( N = 1,384) and Healthy Finland survey for the Finnish origin population ( N = 1,221). Analyses focused on individuals who had used social services in the past 12 months. Six vulnerability indicators were examined: unemployment, financial stress, psychological distress, severe functional limitation, poor social inclusion, and low digital skills. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to assess associations between vulnerabilities and two outcomes: perceived unmet service needs and delayed access. Interaction terms tested differences between migrant and Finnish origin groups. Cumulative vulnerability was analyzed using a sum score and adjusted models. Poor social inclusion, psychological distress, financial stress, and severe functional limitations were strongly associated with both unmet needs and perceived delayed access to social services both in the migrant origin and Finnish origin populations. No statistically significant differences were found between migrant and Finnish origin individuals when exposed to the same vulnerabilities. Cumulative disadvantage, rather than origin, had a pronounced impact: individuals with multiple vulnerabilities were substantially more likely to report unmet needs and delays in service access. The sum score model explained more variance than individual predictors, particularly for unmet needs. Accumulation of vulnerabilities significantly increases unmet need and perceived delay in access to social services, regardless of origin. These findings highlight the need for inclusive service models that recognize and respond to complex vulnerability profiles. Policy efforts should prioritize simplification of service pathways and proactive outreach to individuals facing multiple disadvantages.