The Riksdag has decided that the government's proposal for a benefit cap will come into force on January 1, 2027.
The cap means that the national standard for social benefits will be tightened. Municipalities will no longer be allowed to make their own extra additions to the standard. In addition, a limitation rule for social benefits will be introduced from the fourth child onwards.
“Cannot be justified”
When asked whether an S-led government will stop the benefit cap, Magdalena Andersson answers:
Yes, it's impossible to justify. People who do everything right, who are educated or work 40 hours a week - it's unreasonable that their children should go to bed hungry.
S voted against the benefit cap when the Riksdag made the decision at the beginning of the summer. So did the Left Party and the Green Party.
The Centre Party wanted to increase the ability of municipalities to deviate from the benefit cap if there are special reasons.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) says in a written comment that "S is now once again choosing the benefit line over the work line."
She continues:
“It's not fair that a family in the same stairwell can get more money from staying home all day compared with the neighbouring family who gets up every morning to work.”
Part of reform
The benefit cap is part of the current government's benefit reform. This summer, the so-called activity requirement came into effect. Unlike the benefit cap, S supports the activity requirement.
It requires people to participate in activities in order to get a job, otherwise the social welfare board can refuse or reduce social benefits. The activity requirement also requires municipalities to ensure that there are meaningful activities.
