Family benefits in Norway - what can we expect?
Both new parents and those with more experience often ask us whether the Norwegian state provides financial support for families and, if so, what rules apply. The answer is yes - Norway offers support schemes for parents and children. In this article, we briefly present the benefits that families in Norway can receive (and not only them!).
Barnetrygd - Norway's "500+"
The first and most commonly claimed family benefit in Norway by Poles is barnetrygd, that is, child benefit similar to the Polish "Family 500+" programme.
To receive the benefit, we do not need to meet many requirements - in principle, it is enough that we work in Norway or run a business here and have a shared registered address with the child (even if this is a registered address in Poland).
As for the amount of the benefit: in 2023 barnetrygd is 1083 kr per month for a child up to 6 years old and 1723 kr per month for children under 6 years old. We can also receive it retroactively for up to 3 years.
You can find more rules and information about this benefit by clicking here.
NOTE: If one of the parents lives in Poland, make sure to read this article (click). The rules for receiving 500+ and barnetrygd, as well as international regulations, may mean that if both benefits are claimed at the same time, one of the countries will demand repayment of the amount paid out!
**Kontantstotte - care support
**
The second, but equally common, benefit is kontantstotte, that is, support for a child aged 1 to 2 who does not attend kindergarten or nursery, for example because there is no place available.
To be entitled to this benefit, we must:
- work, receive a benefit (for example sickness benefit) or run a business in Norway
- have belonged to the social security system in Norway or another EEA country for the past 5 years
- have a shared registered address with a child aged 1 to 2
- have a child who does not have a place in a public nursery or only has limited access to one
Normally, the amount of the benefit for 2023 is 7500 kr per child, but depending on the number of hours the child attends nursery, the amount paid is reduced. This benefit is completely tax-free.
You can find more rules and information about this benefit by clicking here.
Foreldrepenger - paternity and maternity benefit
Another benefit is foreldrepenger, that is, parental benefit. It is intended to replace the income of new parents while they stay at home with the child.
As for this form of support, there are 3 requirements that must be met:
- work in Norway for 6 of the last 10 months
- our minimum annual income must be at least 0,5 G, which in 2023 is approx. 59 310 NOK
- be a member of the Norwegian social security system
The amount, as well as the benefit period, are individual and calculated based on our situation. You can read more about how the benefit is calculated, its periods and other rules by clicking here.
Engangsstotte - one-off financial support
If we did not have sufficient income for the previous benefit, that is, foreldrepenger, or the calculated amount is too low, we can apply for the so-called baby grant, or Engangsstotte. This is a one-off amount that Norway pays us as support in the event of the birth or adoption of a child.
The only requirement for this benefit is to be a member of the Norwegian social security system (work or run a business in Norway) at the time of birth or adoption. However, the benefit is not available in the case of adoption if it is the adoption of a spouse's child or if the adopted child is over 15 years old. In most cases, the benefit is granted only to the child's mother, so if only the father works in Norway and the child's mother stays in Poland - the benefit is not available.
The amount of the benefit for 2023 is 90.300 kr and it is tax-free. We can receive this grant only once per child.
You can find more rules and information about this benefit by clicking here.
Svangerskapspenger - support in case of inability to work during pregnancy
Another form of support for women, this time granted when work threatens the pregnancy - for example, when our job involves contact with chemicals, the work itself is physically demanding, or we work under significant stress. Women entitled to this benefit often go on sick leave, which is usually disadvantageous, because sick leave itself can be used after the child is born.
As for the requirements for this benefit, they are:
- our work must pose a risk to the course of the pregnancy and the child
- our annual income must be at least 0,5 G, which in 2023 is approx. 59 310 NOK
- we must work for at least 4 weeks in Norway before applying for the benefit.
The benefit can be received from the moment work is stopped until 3 weeks before the due date, and it can also be paid retroactively for up to 3 months. The amount depends on the type of employment and our earnings.
You can read more about how the benefit is calculated and its rules by clicking here.