Barnsjukpenning

Barnsjukpenning is a Swedish social insurance benefit administered by Försäkringskassan. It provides compensation to a parent or guardian who must stay home from work to care for a sick child. The benefit applies primarily when the child is under 12 years old and ill enough to require care at home. In common usage this is often referred to as Vård av barn, or VAB, though barnsjukpenning is the formal term for the benefit.

To be eligible, you must be insured in Sweden and have an earned income or be enrolled as a student with a qualifying income. The ill child must be under 12 years old and be unable to attend preschool or school due to the illness. The caregiver must intend to care for the child at home and report the days to Försäkringskassan. The size and duration depend on the caregiver’s income and the rules set by the agency and are adjusted annually.

Barnsjukpenning compensates for lost income during days when the parent stays home to care for the sick child. The daily rate is calculated as a portion of the caregiver’s income, up to a ceiling linked to the price base amount, and is paid by Försäkringskassan after the claim is approved. The days are counted per calendar day during the illness.

Barnsjukpenning is separate from parental leave benefits and from ordinary sick pay. It is intended specifically for care of a sick child. If the child has long-term illness or disability, special rules may apply and further benefits can be relevant.

Applications are submitted to Försäkringskassan, usually online. The applicant must provide information about the child’s illness and the dates of care. Försäkringskassan reviews the claim and communicates decisions and payment amounts. The system is designed to support families during periods when a child requires home caregiving.