You do not have to check every payment at once. In Sweden, start with the costs or care needs that are hardest to manage: housing, everyday child costs, missing maintenance or extra care.
Sweden · Checked 17 September 2026
Bostadsbidrag is housing allowance from Försäkringskassan, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Income, housing costs and the child’s living arrangements affect eligibility.
From January 2027, new rules apply. Many households move to a monthly-income calculation for new decisions; existing decisions normally continue under the old rules until they expire. The housing guide explains the transition and exceptions.
Barnbidrag is child benefit. The 2026 amount is 1,250 Swedish kronor (SEK) per child per month, subject to social-insurance conditions. For joint custodians of children born on or after 1 March 2014, it is normally split into SEK 625 each.
Other situations may need a notification and assessment. A supplement can apply for several children. After 16, the type of payment depends on schooling; study allowance is not automatically paid throughout the whole year.
Underhållsstöd is public maintenance support. It may be available when a child lives mostly and is registered with a custodian and the other parent pays too little. Alternating residence does not normally qualify.
This is different from underhållsbidrag, maintenance paid by a parent. The separate guide explains amounts and applications.
Omvårdnadsbidrag is care allowance for disability-related care and supervision beyond what is usual at the child’s age. The additional need must last at least six months. The agency assesses the level, and parents can share the award.
Vab is temporary parental benefit that can replace eligible lost earnings or unemployment benefit in covered situations. Certain school and social-services meetings were added during 2026.
For care days from 1 April 2026, the normal application deadline is 30 days. Other conditions and exceptions apply.
Municipal social services assess financial assistance using household income, assets, other available support and ability to work. Försörjningsstöd is support for basic living costs.
From October 2026, an activity requirement normally applies after at least three consecutive months of that support. The activity plan must account for ability, other activities and childcare possibilities. Exceptions include parental leave with a child under one under the Parental Leave Act.
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!”
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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?
