The number of people receiving disability benefits in Norway continues to rise, but the growth rate has stabilized relative to population increases. New data shows the proportion of disability recipients within the population remains steady.
Norway's Labor and Welfare Director Hans Christian Holte stated, "The number of disabled has increased during the year, but the percentage of disability benefit recipients has stayed stable recently. This means disability numbers haven't grown faster than population growth."
By late September, 374,800 people received disability benefits in Norway. This represents a slight decrease of 33 people from the previous quarter. However, compared to the same period last year, the figure increased by 3,600 individuals.
Sick leave rates have remained elevated since the pandemic. Holte noted that although levels decreased slightly before summer, they remain high.
Holte explained, "We've seen similarly high growth in recipients of work assessment allowance. Therefore, we naturally expect an increase in disability numbers over time."
Labor and Inclusion Minister Kjersti Stenseng welcomed the slowing growth but emphasized more action is needed. She said, "The government continues its efforts to help more people enter work or education. Youth initiatives and permanent wage subsidies will help prevent young people from becoming permanently disabled."
While the stabilization offers some relief, Norway continues grappling with high disability rates that strain both social welfare systems and workforce participation. The government's focus on youth employment programs reflects concern about long-term dependency trends.