Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Get in touch with us nowAverage monthly social welfare payment in Sweden 2013-2022
The social welfare benefits in Sweden aims to help people in need to reach a reasonable standard of living through monthly monetary benefits. The average monthly benefits increased from 2013 until 2021, but fell somewhat in 2022. In 2022, the average amount paid out per month was 9,135 Swedish kronor. In 2021, the total expenses of social welfare benefits were at almost 12 billion Swedish kronor.
Decreasing number of recipients
In 2021, around 340,000 individuals received social welfare benefits in Sweden. The number of recipients has decreased steadily since 2015, even though the total amount has increased.  
More common to receive benefits for households with children
The most common type of household receiving benefits were single woman households with children. Almost 14 percent of all single-woman households with children received social welfare benefits in 2021, and eight percent of all households consisting of single men with children received benefits. In general, the share of receiving households was higher for the ones with children than those without.
Decreasing number of recipients
In 2021, around 340,000 individuals received social welfare benefits in Sweden. The number of recipients has decreased steadily since 2015, even though the total amount has increased.  
More common to receive benefits for households with children
The most common type of household receiving benefits were single woman households with children. Almost 14 percent of all single-woman households with children received social welfare benefits in 2021, and eight percent of all households consisting of single men with children received benefits. In general, the share of receiving households was higher for the ones with children than those without.
