Basic social insurance includes sickness insurance, family assistance, basic and supplementary retirement schemes, early and partial retirement and industrial accident insurance.

All people over 16 years of age residing in Sweden, whether of Swedish or another nationality, are registered for residence-based benefits (bosättningsbaserad). 

The Försäkringskassan is the central administrative authority for social insurance and for social insurance contributions. There is a customer service centre that can reply to queries by email or phone. 

In Sweden, social insurance is funded largely through employer contributions. However, social insurance also receives considerable government funding, particularly the basic pension scheme. These grants are budgeted and paid for through taxes. 

Social assistance, which is not part of the social security system in Sweden, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (Socialdepartementet). It is supervised by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). Local administration of social assistance, including care and assistance for children and their families, the elderly and the disabled, is the responsibility of the local authorities and is primarily funded through local taxes. 

Applications for benefits should be submitted in writing to your local social insurance office (försäkringskassa). Special forms are required when applying for certain benefits. Some benefits require medical certificates or medical examinations.

Text last edited on: 11/2009