Financial support from NAV

NAV administers several financial benefits and support schemes in Norway. Which benefits you can receive depends on your situation, income, work history, residence status and other conditions.

Financial assistance (økonomisk sosialhjelp) is a temporary form of support for people who cannot cover necessary living expenses through other income or financial resources.

Everyone has the right to apply for financial assistance and have NAV assess their situation individually. Normally, you must have legal residence in Norway to qualify.

Before financial assistance is granted, NAV normally considers whether you have other available sources of income, such as employment income, savings or other benefits.

Financial assistance can help cover necessary expenses such as food, clothing, hygiene, household expenses and other basic needs. Depending on your situation, necessary housing expenses may also be considered.

There are indicative national rates for basic subsistence, but the actual amount of financial assistance must be assessed individually by the municipality.

From 1 January 2026, the state's indicative monthly rate for a single person is NOK 8,300. The indicative rate for married or cohabiting couples is NOK 13,800. There are separate indicative rates for children and people living in shared accommodation.

The rates are guidelines rather than automatic payments. NAV must consider your actual income, expenses and circumstances.

If you are in an emergency and do not have money for essential needs, you can apply for emergency financial assistance. Emergency assistance can cover basic necessities such as food and essential bills.

If you have nowhere to sleep for the next 24 hours, you can also ask NAV for help with temporary emergency accommodation.

NAV also administers other benefits, including unemployment-related benefits, sickness benefits, work assessment allowance, disability benefits and pensions. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements.

When applying for financial support, provide accurate information about your income, housing costs, assets and other relevant circumstances.

Keep copies of applications, decisions, documentation and messages from NAV. You have the right to information, advice and guidance from NAV.

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