Social assistance

The section provides an overview of all calculated compensations rates in the event of receiving social assistance. Compensation rates are the benefits as calculated proportions of previous income.

These charts show the levels of a benefit called social assistance in different Nordic countries, but the content and purpose of the benefit varies widely between the countries. Different levels of social assistance often result from different levels of primary benefits or taxation or from a completely different way of organising the benefit.

Single person with a child

The calculated compensation rates shown in the graphs for a single parent compare the income level after receiving social assistance with the income level from work. The calculation is equivalized with respect of size of family to secure comparability.

Note: The scale is higher on this graph.

Single person without children

The calculated compensation rates shown in the graphs for a single person without children compare the income level after receiving social assistance with the income level from work.

Couple with two children

The calculated compensation rates shown in the graphs for couples with two children compare the income level after receiving social assistance with the income level from work.

To interpret the compared income levels both parents receive social assistance. The calculation is equivalized with respect of size of family to secure comparability.

Couple without children

The calculated compensation rates shown in the graphs for couples without children compare the income level after receiving social assistance with the income level from work.

To interpret the compared income levels both parents receive social assistance. The calculation is equivalized with respect of size of family to secure comparability.

Please refer to the section on Social assistance, for more specific information on rules in each Nordic country.