Introduction benefit 2026: what changed on 1 September

What changed on 1 September 2026

On 1 September 2026, new rules started to apply if you take part in the introduction programme (etableringsprogrammet) at Arbetsförmedlingen, the Swedish Public Employment Service. The changes have been decided. They are not proposals.

• The introduction benefit (etableringsersättning) was raised from SEK 308 to SEK 335 per day for full time.
• During the initial assessment (kartläggning) the amount is unchanged, SEK 231 per day.
• The supplementary introduction benefit (etableringstillägg) and the introduction benefit for housing (bostadsersättning) were removed. It is no longer possible to apply for them.
• A new child supplement (barntillägg) replaces the supplementary introduction benefit. It is paid to each parent who takes part, instead of to the household.
• The child supplement is tax-free, just like the introduction benefit.

How much you get

The benefit is paid for at most five days a week. An example we have calculated: a month with 22 weekdays of full-time participation gives 335 × 22 = SEK 7,370. Depending on how many weekdays the month has, it comes to roughly SEK 7,000 to 7,700.

The child supplement: new from September

The child supplement is for you if you have children living at home and take part in the introduction programme.

• Each parent applies for themselves. If both parents take part, you each apply separately, and you make a new application every month.
• At most three children are counted.
• Double amount if the child has no other guardian living in Sweden and you do not live with the child’s other parent.
• Children living at home means children under 20 who are in your custody, who live with you and are registered at your address (also if they live with you and the other parent alternately) and who do not support themselves.
• The first month is September 2026. You apply for it in October.

An example we have calculated: two parents who both take part and have two children under 11 get SEK 800 each per month, so SEK 1,600 for the family.

If you already have one of the earlier supplements

If you have a decision on the supplementary introduction benefit or the introduction benefit for housing from before 1 September, you keep it for the whole period stated in the decision.

But as long as someone in the household receives the old supplements, the household cannot get the child supplement. When the decision has expired, you can apply for the child supplement.

How to apply

1. Arbetsförmedlingen decides that you will take part in the introduction programme and makes an action plan together with you.
2. Apply for the benefit at Försäkringskassan, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, in the e-service “Ansök om ersättning för program hos Arbetsförmedlingen” (apply for compensation for programmes at Arbetsförmedlingen), or on form 7114.
3. Apply between the 1st and the 7th of the month and you get the money the same month. The money usually arrives on the 26th.
4. Submit the activity report (aktivitetsrapport) to Arbetsförmedlingen between the 1st and the 14th of each month.

Do not wait too long. The benefit is not paid for any period further back than the month before the month in which you apply.

Stricter rules if you miss an activity

Since 1 June 2026 the rules have been stricter. If you do not take part in an activity in the programme without an acceptable reason, or do not apply for a course or training programme that you have been referred to, you are suspended from the benefit straight away:

• 5 days the first time
• 10 days the second time
• 45 days each time after that

The same rules apply to Swedish for immigrants (sfi) as to other education. If you cannot come to a meeting or a lesson: let them know in advance.

What happens next

The general election on 13 September 2026 may lead to new proposals. What is written here has been decided and applies until something else is decided.

Prepare and Match during the introduction programme

If you take part in the introduction programme, you can also get Prepare and Match (Rusta och matcha), if Arbetsförmedlingen decides so. Prepare and Match does not change your benefit. You apply for the benefit at Försäkringskassan as usual.

With us you get a coach who can speak your language: Arabic, English, Persian, Turkish, Somali, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian or Swedish. Read more about how Prepare and Match works or about how to choose us as your provider.

Written by Ajdin KurbegovicCo-founder, operations manager and job coach at Swefleet

We are a provider of Prepare and Match on behalf of Arbetsförmedlingen in Gothenburg. The text is based on the sources below and was updated on 23 September 2026. Rules can change, so always check your own case with Arbetsförmedlingen or Försäkringskassan.