Work Instead of Benefits. The Government Abolishes Existing Allowances for Refugees

Redakcja

23.01.2026 10:00

Copy link

Work Instead of Benefits. The Government Abolishes Existing Allowances for Refugees

A thorough reform was announced by Minister of Labour and Social Integration Kjersti Stenseng. Fot. materiały prasowe Ministerstwa Pracy i Integracji Społecznej

The Norwegian government has announced a complete overhaul of support rules for refugees. During the first five years of residence in the country, they will lose the right to social assistance and housing supplements. Instead, a single integration benefit will be introduced, aimed at making employment more financially attractive.

A key element of the reform is the merging of three current forms of support into a single integration benefit (integreringsstønad). This will replace the introduction benefit (introduksjonsstønad), social assistance, and the housing allowance (bostøtte). The government has admitted that the current system does not always encourage employment.

The proposal for the new solution was announced on January 23, 2026. The consultation period ends on April 23.

Benefits for migrants in Norway. Officials present concrete figures

Norway Changes the System. Work Was Not Profitable

Minister of Labour and Integration Kjersti Stenseng (Labour Party) points out that some refugees currently receive higher benefits and allowances than potential earnings from work. The new model aims to change this. The benefit will gradually decrease as employment income increases.

The draft law has been submitted for public consultation. The new integration benefit will apply for five years from the moment a refugee settles in a municipality. During this time, neither social assistance nor housing support—whether state or municipal—will be available.

Government data shows that in 2024, about half of participants in the introduction program simultaneously received several forms of support. The total level of benefits meant that work was not always financially worthwhile. Employment among refugees was 51.1%, compared to 79.7% in the general population.

The basic rate for a single, childless refugee will be 1.8 G (currently 230,600 NOK).Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license

Social Assistance Errors. Were the Benefits Too High?

In some regions, a single parent had to earn as much as 600,000 NOK for their salary to exceed the level of benefits. After the reform, the maximum annual payout will be about 383,000 NOK gross. This example applies to a single caregiver with three children living in Oslo.

The benefit will be determined individually, taking into account marital status, number of children, age, and municipality of residence. Supplements for children and single caregivers are planned. At the same time, a maximum payout limit will apply.

The integration benefit will be taxed like wages. Previous social and housing benefits were tax-exempt. The government assumes that the change will increase system transparency and reduce the risk of payouts exceeding potential work income.

Refugees will retain the right to emergency assistance. They will be able to apply for support to cover larger expenses.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license

The government proposes the following benefit levels before tax:

1. Single refugees: 1.8 G (230,600 NOK)

2. Single refugees with children: 2 G (256,200 NOK)

3. Refugees living with a spouse or partner: 1.33 G (170,800 NOK)

4. Refugees living with a spouse or partner and with children: 1.67 G (213,500 NOK)

5. Refugees under 25, depending on situation: 1.33 G or 0.67 G (170,800 NOK or 85,400 NOK)

Amounts are annual.

Not Studying or Working? Your Benefit Will Be Reduced

The introduction program will remain but will be renamed the integration program. Refugees will still have the right to learn Norwegian and participate in training and vocational activities. After completing the program, those without work or education will be subject to an activity requirement.

This activity will include employment or educational activities. After six months, at least 20 hours per week will be required. Failure to participate will result in a reduction of the benefit. The rate will also be reduced one and three years after completing the program.

The government emphasizes that the change in regulations is intended to simplify the work of municipalities and NAV. A single set of rules will reduce the number of administrative cases. Freed-up resources are to be directed towards supporting refugees' entry into the labor market.

The most important proposed changes in the integration of refugees in Norway:

1. To receive the integration benefit, a refugee must participate in the full integration program.

2. Refugees who work at least 80% of full-time or study full-time will not receive the benefit.

3. Those who complete the integration program are subject to a requirement for employment or further education. After six months, this will be at least 20 hours per week. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a gradual reduction of the benefit.

4. If refugees are currently receiving social assistance benefits, the government proposes introducing a 'krone for krone' rule to increase the profitability of taking up work.

5. Married or cohabiting individuals receive a child benefit of 37 NOK per day/9,620 NOK per year, with a limit of three children.

6. Single individuals receive a child benefit of 74 NOK per day/19,240 NOK per year, with a limit of three children.

Norwegian benefits under scrutiny? The government admits NAV is not working properly

The reform also relates to the labor market situation. Norway reports a growing demand for workers, especially in the health and care sector. The new regulations include the possibility of covering extraordinary expenses and retaining the right to emergency assistance, which is intended to ensure financial security in exceptional situations.