More preschool hours proposed for parents on social assistance

Parents required to attend activities to keep receiving social assistance would gain access to more childcare under a Swedish government inquiry's proposals.

Municipalities generally have to offer children of unemployed parents 15 preschool hours a week. The inquiry's proposal, presented on 4 September, would require care for the time needed to attend assigned activities.

The activity requirement took effect on 1 July. It normally applies after three consecutive months of social assistance and can include Swedish lessons or work placements. Parents with a child under eight, or an older child who has not completed their first school year, normally face a 30-hour week.

The proposed childcare entitlement would also cover parents whom municipalities require to participate before three months have passed. It would treat required activities like work or study when determining preschool and after-school care hours.

Social Insurance Minister Anna Tenje says the expansion would help parents learn Swedish and move towards employment.

The inquiry proposes legal changes from 1 July 2027, with the expanded preschool entitlement applying from 1 September and after-school care from the autumn term.

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