Swedish Government Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Social Benefits for Large Families
The Swedish government proposes major social benefits reforms, affecting large families and immigrant eligibility starting 2027.
Key Points
- • Reform introduces caps on benefits for large families from 2027.
- • Single parents face 40% cuts for children beyond the third.
- • New eligibility criteria for immigrants to qualify for welfare.
- • Government aims to reduce dependency on social benefits.
The Swedish government has unveiled a comprehensive reform package for social benefits, slated to take effect from January 1, 2027. This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's Moderate Party and supported by the Sweden Democrats (SD), targets large families, especially those with multiple children, and aims to mitigate long-term welfare dependency, particularly among immigrant populations.
As part of the reform, families with more than three children will face significant reductions in their monthly benefits. For cohabiting parents, benefits will be slashed by 75% for each child beyond the third, and for single parents, a 40% cut will apply starting from the fourth child. For instance, a family currently receiving 46,500 SEK per month with five children could see their support drop by over 8,000 SEK, bringing their benefit down to approximately 38,000 SEK. This reform is expected to affect around 145,000 households across Sweden, raising concerns about potential increases in child poverty and social segregation.
Further, the government plans to implement strict eligibility criteria for social benefits, particularly for new immigrants. Starting in 2027, such individuals will need to reside in Sweden for five years or demonstrate substantial employment history—working at least 12 out of the past 24 months earning a minimum salary of 20,000 SEK per month. This requirement encompasses various benefits, including child allowances, but notably excludes social assistance.
Additionally, beginning in July 2026, all individuals receiving welfare will be required to engage in full-time activities, such as job training or language courses, fostering a transition towards employment. The government's new job premium, offering financial incentives for transitioning welfare recipients into the job market, is also anticipated to enhance workforce integration. Social Insurance Minister Anna Tenje highlights these reforms as crucial for tackling the entrenched dependency many individuals, particularly foreign-born residents, face within the welfare system. Critics, however, warn that these measures could deepen inequality and hinder the support needed by larger families.