Response to interpellation 2024/25:227 on the payment gap between care allowance and activity allowance
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate concerns the payment gap between unemployment benefits from funds and activity support from Försäkringskassan. L argues that the gap arises because the benefits are paid out in different ways and that the new unemployment insurance next year will be calculated monthly in arrears to better align with other systems 1. L emphasizes that it is important for money to be paid out on time to maintain trust in the welfare society 2. S is pleased that the government is addressing the problem so that no one is left without income 3. S argues that it is important to listen to the personal experiences of how these gaps affect people 3.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Arbetsmarknads- och integrationsministern Mats Persson (L)
Madam Speaker! I have been asked what I intend to do to rectify the payment gap between unemployment benefits and activity compensation. I have understood the question to refer to the gap that can arise between the payment of unemployment benefits and activity support, and my answer is based on that.
Unemployment benefits are paid out weekly by the unemployment funds, while activity support is paid out monthly by Försäkringskassan. The situation that Åsa Eriksson describes can arise because the different benefits are paid out in different ways, but also through the transition between different benefit systems and different payers.
When the new unemployment insurance enters into force next year, the unemployment benefit will also be reviewed and calculated monthly in arrears. Thus, the benefit will be paid out with the same frequency as the monthly salary that most unemployed people have lost. This change means that the unemployment insurance will better follow other neighboring systems, for example, the payment of activity support from Försäkringskassan. This can also counteract gaps in the benefit for someone who, for example, transitions from unemployment insurance to a labor market policy program.
Åsa Eriksson (S)
Madam Speaker! I am glad that the government is addressing the problem of gaps between the payment of benefits. We Social Democrats, as is well known, say no to the deterioration of the welfare system but yes to the synchronization of benefit payments so that no one is left without income. It is strange that this has not happened earlier, but we must take this to heart and do better in the future.
The origin of this debate is a frustrated cry for help from a single mother in Västmanland. She writes very extensively. Among other things, she writes the following:
Now I stand here and will not be able to give my child a birthday party, presents, or Christmas gifts at the end of the year. When one moves from stamping in at Arbetsförmedlingen's Rusta och matcha, it is Försäkringskassan that is supposed to pay out the compensation. Akassan pays in advance, but Försäkringskassan pays in arrears. What does that result in? Well, this month I receive just over 5,000 kronor, and that will not even cover my fixed expenses. I have not complained before, but in this situation, I wonder if one should fold oneself out, sell socks, or sell oneself to afford it.
She continues as follows: Being unemployed and single makes it so enormously vulnerable. Had I lived in a relationship, there would presumably have been at least one steady income. Had I been completely alone, it would not have caused any greater damage to anyone other than myself, but now a child is involved as well.
She concludes by writing: I have seen how this has affected several others who have been included in Rusta and matcha, so I know that I am absolutely not alone.
Madam Speaker! These are perspectives and experiences that I believe are highlighted all too rarely here in the chamber. The Government is happy to talk about contribution ceilings and tax cuts to give low-income earners better finances, but how do tax cuts help this young woman and all others who are in her situation? I believe it is our responsibility to listen to her and others' voices.
I am, however, as I have said, glad that the completely unreasonable payment gap between different support systems is now being rectified, and therefore I do not need any further entries in this debate.
Arbetsmarknads- och integrationsministern Mats Persson (L)
Madam Speaker! It is naturally pleasing to be able to make a Social Democrat happy, but most importantly, we must ensure that we change the systems so that we do not get this type of gap between payments. I share the view that it is better the earlier this is done. That people feel secure that money is paid out on time is an important part of maintaining trust in our welfare society.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.