Swedish Budget Winners and Losers: Single Mom's Struggle
A Swedish single mother gains 1,540 SEK monthly from new budget measures but says rising rents make finances difficult. Working two-child families benefit most while students gain least. The article examines how different households are affected by Sweden's 2026 budget proposals.
It's harder than ever to manage with one income says single mother of three about household economy
A Swedish single mother working full-time will receive more money from the government's new budget. But she says rising rents make it harder than ever to manage. Irit Arlinsky lives in Malmö with her three children. She works as a childcare provider earning 28,000 SEK monthly. Her rent costs 13,700 SEK per month.
The government plans to increase housing allowances for families with children starting in 2026. This marks the first such increase since 1997. Minister for Social Security Anna Tenje stated the measure supports struggling households. Arlinsky will receive an extra 1,000 SEK monthly in housing allowance next year. Combined with tax cuts, she gains about 1,540 SEK monthly.
Who benefits most from Sweden's budget? Working two-parent families with two children gain the most. They receive approximately 2,090 SEK more monthly through various measures. SEB economist Americo Fernandez confirms this group benefits most. Students gain the least from the budget changes, receiving only 260 SEK monthly.
Why does Arlinsky still struggle despite the increases? Rent prices in Sweden rose 7% per square meter during 2024. Her housing allowance decreases because she earns more than 12,500 SEK monthly. She belongs to Makalösa föräldrar, an organization advocating for single parents. They want the income threshold for housing allowance raised.
How do different households compare? A working two-child family gains 2,090 SEK monthly. A single mother with three children gains 1,540 SEK. A retired couple gains 640 SEK. A student gains 260 SEK. The calculations come from SVT's analysis using government data and consumer agency estimates.
What is the context for international readers? Sweden has high living costs, particularly in cities like Malmö. The government uses tax breaks and allowances to support families. The budget aims to help households cope with inflation and rising energy prices.