Kontantstøtte

Kontantstøtte (cash-for-care) is a Norwegian government cash benefit designed to support families with young children who are not enrolled in publicly funded daycare. The program is administered by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and is part of the country’s family welfare system.

Eligibility generally requires residence in Norway and a child within a defined age window who is not receiving municipal day care for that child. The benefit is paid per eligible child and the amount varies with the child’s age; there may be additional considerations for families with several children. The child must not yet have started in approved day care, and families must meet the residency and other criteria set by NAV.

Payment and duration: Kontantstøtte is paid monthly. The duration of the benefit is tied to the child’s age and day care status; if the child enters day care or preschool, the benefit is typically reduced or terminated.

Application and administration: Applications are submitted to NAV. Applicants must provide documentation about the child’s age and the family’s residency status. After approval, payments are issued on a monthly basis.

Policy context: Kontantstøtte was introduced to provide financial support to families choosing home-based care and to offer flexibility in child-rearing arrangements. The policy has been the subject of political debate regarding its impact on work participation and the use of early childhood education.