Intjäning

Intjäning is a Swedish term describing the accumulation of rights to future benefits through work, contributions or service. The concept is used in several welfare and employment contexts, most commonly in pensions, vacation accrual and social security benefits. Intjäning denotes that benefits are earned over time rather than granted automatically, and the amount or eligibility often depends on the length of employment, income level and the terms of relevant rules or agreements.

In pensions, intjäning refers to earning pension rights based on work and income during defined earning periods. Typically, income earned during an intjäningsår forms the basis for calculating pension benefits, with rules varying between public, occupational and private pension schemes. The exact accrual rate, the year used for the calculation and any caps or thresholds depend on the specific plan and national regulations.

For vacation, semesterintjäning describes how vacation days accrue during employment. The rate and the period used to calculate accrual are often specified in collective agreements or national employment law. Employees accumulate additional days each year, up to a maximum or within a stated framework, ensuring time off is earned through continued employment.

Intjäning is also relevant for other benefits, such as sickness or unemployment benefits, where eligibility or benefit level may depend on the amount of previous work or contribution during an accrual period. The precise rules for intjäning differ by country, sector, and contract, but the core idea remains: rights are earned gradually through ongoing participation in work or social security contributions. The term derives from the verb intjäna, meaning to earn.