Familiestøtte

Familiestøtte is an umbrella term for government-financed financial supports aimed at families with children or dependents. The purpose is to reduce poverty, support child development, and ease the costs associated with child-rearing and housing, thereby promoting work-family balance.

In Norway, familiestøtte is administered through the national social security system and local authorities. Key components typically include Barnetrygd (child benefit), a universal monthly payment for families with children, and Foreldrepenger (parental benefits) provided during birth or adoption and funded by the National Insurance Scheme. Additional supports may cover housing assistance (bostøtte) and subsidies related to child care services and early education. Some benefits are universal, while others are means-tested or conditioned on residence, income, or family composition.

Eligibility and administration vary by program. Barnetrygd generally targets families with children living in the country, while Foreldrepenger requires prior employment contributions and eligibility through the National Insurance System. Housing benefits and childcare subsidies are usually means-tested and administered by municipalities or NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration). Some benefits may be automatic for eligible families, whereas other programs require formal applications and documentation.

Policy goals of familiestøtte include reducing child poverty, supporting equitable gender participation in the workforce, and ensuring access to childcare and stable housing. The framework is subject to reform and adjustment and tends to reflect broader social and economic policy priorities.

See also: Child benefit, parental benefit, social security, welfare state.