Welfare schemes to prevent poverty in Norway

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 wages or low education, changes in family situations, or other social conditions.

How can one get help? 

The authorities in Norway have several welfare schemes to help those living with low income:

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 economic 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 benefits, which are monthly payments to cover the costs of having children. Cash-for-care benefits are given to parents who choose to stay home with young children instead of sending them to kindergarten. Parents can receive Cash-for-care benefits 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. This is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get an education and improve their job opportunities.

Labour Market Measures: 

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav) offers various measures to help the unemployed find jobs, 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 overcoming poverty.

Measures Against Child Poverty: 

The authorities have specific measures for children in low income families, including support to leisure activities, free school meals, and measures to ensure that all children have access to necessary school supplies.

Collaboration with Voluntary Organizations 

In addition, the authorities have a dialouge with voluntary organizations representing disadvantaged groups and offers several grant schemes that voluntary organizations and social entrepreneurs can apply for. These schemes are managed by the Directorate of Labour and Welfare and include:

• Grants to user-driven organizations working against poverty
• Grants for social entrepreneurship
• Grants for job training and activation
• Grants for humanitarian measures for EEA citizens without own means or other rights