Apply for financial assistance

1. What is financial assistance?

Financial assistance, also called income support, is a last-resort benefit to cover a household’s basic needs when other income or benefits are not sufficient. It includes the national standard (for food, clothing, etc.) and other necessary living expenses such as rent, electricity, and insurance.

How to qualify:

• You are registered as a resident in Boden or temporarily staying in the municipality without sufficient means.
• You are registered with the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) and actively seeking work, or
• You are on sick leave and can provide a valid medical certificate.

2. What should you consider before applying?

• You must first use your own money and assets, such as bank savings, vehicles, or property.
• If you are married, cohabiting, or in a registered partnership, you are required to support each other and must apply together.
• Always apply for other benefits first (for example from CSN, the Social Insurance Agency, or unemployment insurance).
  

3. How do you apply?

3.1 Online application (recommended)

• Apply electronically with the municipality’s e-service – you must be registered in Boden and have electronic identification (such as BankID).
• Advantage: fewer details to fill in, and you can save and return to the application later.

3.2 Paper application

• Collect a paper form and submit it in person at the Social Services reception (Town Hall), or send it by post.

4. What information and documents are required?

If you are applying for the first time, you should be prepared to provide:

• Rental contract and rent invoice, or housing cost details for owned property.
• Proof of income (e.g. payslips, decisions from the Social Insurance Agency or the Pensions Agency).
• Information about assets (e.g. bank savings, car, property).
• Receipts or invoices for costs you are seeking support for.
• Employment information (employment contract, medical certificate, activity plan from the Employment Service).
• Residence or work permit if you are not a Swedish citizen.

5. Processing and decision

After submitting your application:

• A case officer will contact you for a meeting where your situation is assessed and a plan is made.
• If something is missing, you will be informed of what needs to be completed.
  

Decision: You will receive a written decision on whether your application is approved or denied. Processing time varies depending on the case.

5.1 Appeals

If your application is denied and you wish to appeal, submit a written appeal to the Social Services Department within three weeks of the decision. State which decision you are appealing, why, and what changes you want. The case may be forwarded to the Administrative Court.

6. Financial framework and repayment

• Support is based on the national standard and is calculated by the Social Services according to guidelines from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
• You can use the calculator on the Board’s website to see if your income falls below the standard.
  

Repayment: If you received financial assistance while being entitled to another benefit (e.g. housing allowance), any excess amount may be reclaimed. Incorrect or withheld information may lead to repayment requirements and a police report for benefit fraud.

Summary

1. Check if you meet the requirements and make a test calculation.
2. Choose your application method: e-service or paper form.
3. Collect and attach required documents: income, expenses, assets.
4. Submit the application; provide any additional documents if requested.
5. Attend the meeting with the case officer; receive the decision.
6. If denied – appeal within three weeks.
7. If needed – seek help from Team Mottagning.
   

Forms