Grunnpensjonen

Grunnpensjonen is the basic pension within Norway’s national insurance system (folketrygden). It is designed to provide a predictable income floor for residents who have lived in Norway for a prescribed period and contributed to the national insurance scheme. The aim is to secure a subsistence level in old age or in cases of disability and to serve as the foundation for other pension benefits.

Eligibility for grunnpensjon requires residence in Norway for a minimum period and sufficient coverage under the National Insurance Scheme. The exact requirements are set by law and administered by NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration). In some cases, residence history and international agreements can affect eligibility if a person moves abroad.

Calculation and components: The pension from folketrygden comprises grunnpensjon (the base amount) and tilleggspensjon (an earnings-related supplement). Grunnpensjon is a flat-rate amount that generally increases with age, while tilleggspensjonen depends on lifetime earnings and years of contribution. There is also a system of guaranteed minimum pension (garantert minstepensjon) intended to ensure a basic total level for those with low lifetime income.

Administration and payment: NAV administers and pays grunnpensjon, typically as a monthly sum. Benefits are indexed annually for inflation and coordinated with other public or private pensions, so the total pension may reflect other income and entitlements.

This article provides a general overview; specific eligibility, amounts, and interactions with other pensions can change with legislation and individual circumstances.