At a government meeting tomorrow, two legislative council recommendations will be discussed that are part of the government's major benefit reform.
One means that the national standard for social benefits will be tightened from 1 January 2027. Municipalities will then no longer be allowed to make their own extra additions to the standard. In addition, a restriction rule for social benefits will be introduced from the fourth child onwards.
It is especially in households with many children that it is not worthwhile to go from benefits to work today, says Minister of Labour Johan Britz (L).
According to Minister of Social Insurance Anna Tenje (M), the proposals are expected to result in nearly 150,000 households receiving lower social benefits.
Thousands less
In real terms, this could mean several thousand Swedish kronor in lower social benefits for large families with children each month, according to the typical cases presented by the government. For cohabiting couples with two children, social benefits could be reduced by 800 kronor.
When asked how the government views the risk that it will lead to increased child poverty and thus make it easier for gangs to recruit children and young people to commit violent acts, Tenje replies:
The best vaccination for escaping exclusion is that your parents have a job to go to, and that you yourself get through Swedish preschool and school.
The contribution ceiling is proposed to come into effect on January 1, 2027.
The second legislative recommendation means that a national activity requirement will be introduced to receive social benefits from July 1, 2026. Municipalities will be obliged to offer a meaningful full-time activity.
Those who do not participate in activities without an approved reason will receive no or reduced social assistance. What is new compared to what was previously said is that organizations and companies will also be allowed to organize the activities, not just municipalities.
The activity requirement is proposed to come into effect on July 1, 2026.
Illegal in Sweden
The Tidö parties are also presenting measures against the shadow society. Those who are illegally residing in Sweden will no longer be able to receive financial assistance from the municipality.
There may be exceptions to what is called emergency assistance, but it is truly exceptional, says Oscar Sjöstedt (SD).
A third part of the benefit reform involves immigrants having to qualify for a range of different benefits and allowances. A bill on this will be presented this spring.
