The auxiliary income in Norway (norw. Hjelpestønad) is dedicated to those who require special care due to poor health. You are entitled to one if you suffer from a chronic illness, injury caused by an accident or congenital disability. There are several conditions that must be met in order to qualify for this benefit.
Auxiliary income in Norway - conditions
To qualify for auxiliary income in Norway, several conditions must be met. The most important of these is the need to remain under care due to poor health. NAV understands such care as "support in everyday activities that a healthy person does not need". This type of support also includes stimulation, rehabilitation and training. However, they do not apply to the assistance of an assistant in such activities as cooking, cleaning, washing up or shopping.
Read also: Nursing supplement in Norway - pleiepenger >>>
Care must be provided by people such as:
- spouse / spouse,
- children,
- parents,
- Foster parents,
- other family members,
- neighbors or friends and other people.
As a rule, the provision of care by a nurse or assistant must take place prior to the submission of the application. However, if the condition of the person requiring assistance is very serious, NAV allows the possibility of starting nursing care from the date of the first payment of the auxiliary income.
Read also: Nursing benefit for childrenetotal area 18 years of age >>>
What can nursing care involve?
Care by a nurse or assistant is free of charge for a family member with special care needs. It can be provided for two or two and a half hours each week. The value of such assistance is estimated at NOK 1 per month and is not taxable.
The municipality may reduce other benefits
Support income in Norway is associated with a reduction in other municipal social benefits. The amount of these allowances may be reduced by the equivalent of the awarded auxiliary income and the equivalent for nursing care. However, this is not a rule - Norwegian regulations allow for the possibility of receiving auxiliary income in parallel with other nursing supplements.
Read also: Family and care allowance - how to apply effectively? >>>
Duration of the benefit
Generally, there is no time limit for which auxiliary income can be allocated in Norway. NAV may, however, reserve the right to reconsider the patient's situation. In this case, a letter will be sent asking for the re-presentation of medical records and a description of the current state of health. This will be to verify that you are still eligible for the auxiliary income.
Read also: Flexible parental benefit payment - what is it? >>>
How to apply?
All applications should be submitted in writing. The form can be downloaded from the NAV website. The documentation must contain information on whether the applicant remains under the care of the persons mentioned above or whether it is only the auxiliary income that will enable them to obtain such assistance. Information should also be provided on which doctor or physiotherapist deals with the treatment of the patient, indicating the address of one of these persons. This is necessary because NAV officials will collect the necessary medical documentation themselves. Attachments, such as documents from a school or a psychological and pedagogical clinic, will also be helpful.
