The government has tasked the Swedish Social Insurance Agency with simplifying temporary parental benefits for parents of seriously ill children, including those with cancer diagnoses.
Social Insurance Minister Anna Tenje (M) stated that the current system is designed for short predictable illnesses such as norovirus or tonsillitis. Parents of children undergoing prolonged cancer treatment must instead apply repeatedly for benefits which creates stress.
The assignment to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency aims to shorten processing times and increase predictability. One possible measure is to decide compensation in advance for long-term illness so parents know what they will receive from the start.
Approximately 7 000 children are affected each year. The agency is to report on the assignment in April 2027.
