countries - no - Social protection

Social protection

Recently a growing number are receiving temporary disability pension. Adding those gives 266,243 in 1999 and 336,334 in 2008.

The proportion of the population receiving disability benefits was 3.9% in 1980, 6.0% in 1999 and 7.1% in 2008 (including people with disability pension and temporary disability pension).

58% of people receiving disability benefits in 2008 were women. 38.7% were aged 60-66, and 32.3% aged 50-59.

(Source: Statistics Norway, Historical statistics, 1994)

In 2004 single person households with disability pension had a disposable income of 73.5% that of the general population, corrected for household composition. 82% of the income for single person households with disability benefits is from benefits (18% from work or capital income)

Rehabilitation and re-training

Medical rehabilitation services are typically provided by the health authorities free of charge. The system for occupational rehabilitation is quite complex and not described here. It includes education, training, supported employment etc. 47,222 people received rehabilitation allowances in 2008 (about 1% of the population).

Preferential employment and quotas

There is no preferential employment or quota scheme in Norway, but there is an action plan to facilitate more disabled employees in the state sector.

In the state sector, if there are qualified applicants with a disability, a minimum of one should be called for a job interview. The employer can hire a disabled person even if there are more qualified job applicants.

Long-term support and care

These are provided by local authorities. There is no uniform financial system. The typical pattern is that people pay housing rents from their pensions, and also a personal share of costs for some services such as house cleaning, but typical care and support services are free. Service provision is, in general, based on needs assessments (according to Acts on social services and local health services). Even though national policies and recommendations exist, local authorities determine the organisation and provision of such services, within the frames set by law.

Practical assistance and care at home is carried out by municipal home services assistants, nurses, social workers and other professionals. Home care services are available day and night. A few municipalities have contracted out the provision of services to private sector providers.