The Swedish Social Policy Model
The objective of welfare policy is to reduce the gaps between different social groups while giving people security, the opportunity to develop and an acceptable economic standard.
The Government prioritises measures that reduce exclusion. The areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs include giving more people the opportunity to take part in working life. Everyone's willingness and ability to work must be looked after and used in order to eradicate exclusion.
The role of the public sector
The public sector comprises the state, municipalities and county councils. The public sector provides services that are important to people's welfare, such as health and medical care, elderly care and education. It also controls benefits to households, such as child benefit and insurance systems including sickness insurance, unemployment insurance and pensions. Pensions are based on the lifetime earnings principle, which means that all income a person earns in the course of their life entitles them to a pension and affects the size of their pension. More work, more pension. The purpose of benefit systems is to achieve a more even distribution of income between households and over time in order to support, for example, pensioners and families with children. Public sector expenditure is chiefly funded by taxes, social insurance contributions, and in some part patient fees. Health and medical care, and social services are provided directly by central or local government or by private actors, and are wholly or partly funded and regulated by the state.
Support in different phases of life
All people should feel secure in all phases of life. People living in Sweden should not have to worry about their finances when they get old, have children or become ill. Those who fall into drug abuse should receive support to rid themselves of their dependency. All people should have access to good health care and dignified elderly care according to their needs.
Swedish social insurance is intended to provide financial security in the event of illness and disability, in old age, and for families with children. Social insurance is individualbased and compensates for income lost due to illness and the care of children.
Social insurance is made up of general benefits and income-based benefits. General benefits provide the same amounts for all, for example, child benefit and adoption allowance. Income-based benefits include housing allowance for families with children and for pensioners.
Financial support to families with children includes child benefit, housing allowance, parental insurance, maintenance allowance and care allowance.
Support and service based on individual needs
If people with disabilities are to enjoy the same rights and obligations as others, they need customised support and service. Services such as personal assistance, case managers, car allowance and sign language interpreters will make it possible for people with severe disabilities to live an independent and active life. Government grants play an important part in social welfare policy, as do labour market measures to enable more people with disabilities to support themselves through gainful employment.
The aim of social service support is to empower people to play a full and active part in society. First and foremost, people have a responsibility for their own lives. This means contributing to one's maintenance and other needs before being entitled to benefits. Those who are able to work are obliged to search for gainful employment. Financial support is primarily a safety net for those with short-term financial problems. Financial support is determined by municipal social services and is based on an individual means test.
