Social Security
Sweden has a social insurance system to provide financial security during different stages of life. It includes social insurance benefits for families with children, people with a disability or illness, and the elderly.
Social insurance system
Signing up for social security services (Försäkringskassan) when you arrive in Sweden is recommended. Försäkringskassan is the government agency responsible for social insurance.
Försäkringskassan provides access to basic social security benefits such as:
Reduced dental fees
European Health Insurance Card EHIC (Issued with a salary employment contract)
Child allowance
Basic level of parental leave for all Swedish residents (regardless of employment status)
Postdocs are entitled to försäkringskassan benefits.
EU citizens or EU residence permit holders having health insurance in their EU member country can apply via the S1 form (provided by health insurance companies).
Moving with family
Children who live in Sweden are entitled to child allowance from Försäkringskassan. Child allowance is paid until the child attains the age of 16. If your child has reached the age of 16 and is still at compulsory school you will receive an extended child allowance (until the child leaves school).