Stödformer

Stödformer is a Swedish term used to describe the various forms of support available to individuals who have needs related to welfare, health, education, or daily living. The concept is applied across social services, health care, education, and housing, and the specific supports are designed to enable participation in society, safety, and independence.

In welfare policy, stödformer can be grouped into several categories. Ekonomiskt stöd includes income support and financial assistance such as försörjningsstöd (financial assistance for those in need), bostadsbidrag, pensionsstöd, sjukpenning or arbetslöshetsersättning. Vård- och omsorgsstöd covers services like hemtjänst (home care), särskild boendeform (special housing), boendestöd, and personlig assistans. Stöd in the labor market comprises aktivitetsstöd, arbetsförmedlingstjänster, and various utbildningsinsatser to improve employability. Teknisk och praktisk hjälpmedel, även i form av arbetsterapi eller assistans med hjälpmedel, faller också under stödinsatser.

In education, stödformer refer to pedagogical and psychosocial supports such as extra anpassningar i undervisningen, särskilt stöd in school, elevhälsa (counseling, school psychology, health services), and study guidance. These supports aim to accommodate diverse learning needs and promote equal educational opportunities.

Administrative framework and rights: The provision of stödformer primarily falls to municipalities under the Socialtjänstlagen (SoL) and the Lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS). Some benefits are provided through national agencies such as Försäkringskassan (social insurance) and CSN (student finance). Implementation generally relies on individual needs assessments and person-centered planning, with user involvement in decisions about which supports to receive.

Overall, stödformer reflect a broad, rights-based approach to enabling participation and autonomy for individuals with varying needs within Swedish society.