If the other parent pays too little maintenance or none at all, Försäkringskassan may be able to help. Its maintenance-support benefit is called underhållsstöd.
Sweden · Checked 17 September 2026
Försäkringskassan is the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. It assesses whether the child and household meet the conditions for support.
Normally, the parents live apart and the child lives mostly and is registered with the parent receiving the payment. That parent must normally also have custody. Residence and social-insurance conditions apply. Alternating residence does not normally qualify.
If the other parent pays part of the amount, the benefit may cover the eligible difference. These amounts are not a ceiling for maintenance paid privately by a parent.
Support can normally cover no more than one month before the application month. Payment times depend on the application; a first payment within ten days is not guaranteed.
After at least twelve months of correct, timely repayments, the agency normally reviews whether payments can go directly between the parents. Threats or violence can be reasons for continued agency involvement.
Ordinary support ends after the month the child turns 18. A young person in qualifying full-time education can apply for extended support, at most through June of the year they turn 20.
Changes in residence, payments or education may need to be reported. Private maintenance during qualifying education has different age rules.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
"The turning point came when we found the Co-parenting app. There's less fuss and both of us have a better handle on things. It feels so great!”
"Thank you so much for this app, it has finally gotten us to communicate!”
Research
Psychologist Maria Farm and journalist Lisa Bjärbo wrote a Swedish-language book about everyday life after separation. In this interview, they explain why they wanted to discuss the questions that keep returning as children grow, from money to routines and new family relationships.
For Children
Living in two homes can feel good sometimes and difficult at other times. You might enjoy time with each parent and still hate packing. You do not have to choose one feeling, and you do not have to make the arrangement work on your own.
Research
The Swedish term växelvis boende describes a child living alternately in each parent’s home. One useful idea in the original discussion by child psychologist Malin Bergström is to look beyond visits: what ordinary care and relationships does the child need to keep?
