Most people in Norway have a high standard of living. Nevertheless, some will at some point in their lives experience financial problems and other living conditions challenges. This can have various causes, such as unemployment, illness, low wage or low education, changes in family situation, or other social conditions.

How can one get help? 

The authorities in Norway have comprehensive welfare schemes to help those living with low income and other living conditions challenges:  

The Social Security System:

The Norwegian Insurance Scheme provides financial support to individuals who experience various forms of income loss or additional expenses due to illness, unemployment, old age, disability, or other social circumstances. The social security system is an important part of the welfare state and ensures that all residents have a certain level of financial security in different life situations.  

Financial Social Assistance: 

Municipalities offer financial social assistance to individuals who cannot support themselves through work or other sources of income. This is to ensure that everyone has the means to cover basic needs.  

Housing Support: 

The Norwegian State Housing Bank provides financial support to individuals with low income to help them pay rent or mortgages. This helps ensure that more people can afford a safe and stable home.  

Child Benefits and Cash-for-Care Benefits: 

Families with children receive child benefit, which are monthly payments to help cover the costs of raising children. Cash-for-care benefit is given to parents who choose to stay home with young children instead of sending them to kindergarten. Parents can receive Cash-for-care benefit up till the child is 19 months old.  

Education and Training: 

The authorities offer free primary and secondary education, as well as support for higher education through the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). This is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get an education and improve their job opportunities. Students in upper secondary education receive equipment grants from Lånekassen  

Labour Market Measures: 

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav) offers various measures to help persons outside the labor market  to get employed, including job search courses, work practice, and support for further education.  

Health and Care Services: 

Norway has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides free or subsidized health services to all residents. This includes treatment for physical and mental health issues, which can be an important factor in order to be able to work and overcoming poverty. .

Measures Against Child Poverty: 

The authorities have measures with the aim of including children and youth in low income families, including grant schemes for leisure activities, and income-related scholarships for students in upper secondary education.  

Collaboration with Voluntary Organizations 

The authorities have a dialouge with voluntary organizations representing socially and economically disadvantaged groups. There are several grant schemes for voluntary organizations and social entrepreneurs offering measures for disadvantaged groups. These schemes are managed by the Directorate of Labour and Welfare and include: