Background & Purpose

The Swedish government needs to set the budget for various areas, including financial support for families. This decision is the second step in that process, focusing on the detailed allocation of funds and specific rule changes for the upcoming year.

Proposals & Debate

The government proposed allocating approximately SEK 105 billion for family and child support in 2025, with a large portion going to parental leave and child benefits. They also suggested changing laws to limit using parental leave benefits during non-working hours or when parents are already working, and extending a temporary housing allowance for families. The opposition, however, put forward alternative budget proposals that were not accepted.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament approved the government's budget proposals for family and child support. This means the proposed funding will be distributed as planned, and the new rules for parental leave benefits and the extended housing allowance will be put into effect.

Does this affect you?

  • Parents on parental leave: They will face new restrictions on using benefits during non-working hours or while employed.
  • Families with housing allowance: They will continue to receive a temporary additional supplement to their housing benefit.
  • All families with children: They will benefit from the continued allocation of child benefits and other family support programs.

In Practice

  • Parents will have stricter rules on when they can claim parental leave benefits, especially if they are not actively taking time off work.
  • Families with children who receive housing allowance will continue to get a temporary extra payment.
  • Around SEK 105 billion will be spent on family and child support in Sweden during 2025.
  • Over SEK 50 billion of this budget is specifically for parental leave benefits.
  • Approximately SEK 32 billion is allocated for child benefits.