inkomststöd

Inkomststöd is a term used to describe a means-tested cash benefit intended to ensure that individuals or households have enough resources to meet basic living costs. It is typically designed as a safety net for those with low or no earned income, and the amount and eligibility rules are usually determined by the applicant’s income, assets, family situation, and housing costs.

In Sweden, the concept in practice is most closely associated with ekonomiskt bistånd or försörjningsstöd, provided by kommunernas socialtjänst under national social welfare legislation. The label inkoststöd may appear in historical discussions or policy debates, but current administrative practice generally uses the terms ekonomiskt bistånd/försörjningsstöd. Decisions are made at the municipal level and are subject to national guidelines, with an emphasis on the applicant’s need and on cooperation with active measures to improve self-sufficiency.

Eligibility criteria typically include residency in the municipality, insufficient income to cover basic needs, and adherence to information requests and reporting requirements. Applicants may need to disclose income, assets, housing costs, dependents, and any other financial resources. Benefits are intended to supplement but not replace earnings, and the amount is calculated to cover essential expenditures while considering other available benefits and support.

Applicants can usually appeal a decision through the appropriate administrative channels if they disagree with the assessment. The specifics of inkomststöd, including eligibility thresholds and benefit levels, vary by country and by municipality, and are subject to ongoing policy changes.