Unfulfilled Promises in Personal Assistance for Children

The recent amendments aimed at enhancing personal assistance rights, which took effect in January 2023, were intended to expand access to assistance for individuals with disabilities, particularly children. While there was an initial rise in applications for assistance benefits early in the year, this increase has since plateaued, leaving questions about the long-term effects of these changes.

Two years ago, the promise was that more children with disabilities would receive personal assistance services. However, the current reality reveals a stark contrast. Rather than the anticipated 2,000 additional beneficiaries, there are currently 37 fewer individuals in Sweden receiving the freedom that personal assistance is meant to provide. Although 123 more children have received assistance, this figure falls significantly short of the target of 800. In Värmland, according to population statistics, there should have been an increase of 54 beneficiaries, including 21 children, yet the outcome has been negligible.

A significant factor contributing to this issue is the quality of assessments conducted by the relevant authority. The Social Insurance Inspectorate (ISF) has highlighted ongoing deficiencies in the procedures employed by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). These shortcomings pose a risk to children who are already facing substantial challenges in their daily lives.

The legislative changes aimed at enhancing personal assistance rights have not translated into effective outcomes. Although more applications were approved earlier in the year, this upward trend has not continued, raising concerns about the sustainability of improvements. The criteria for qualifying for assistance based on new fundamental needs remain excessively stringent. Försäkringskassan continues to struggle with accurately assessing these criteria, which may deprive the most vulnerable children of their essential rights.

Another complicating factor is the application of the standard deduction for parental responsibility, which began transitioning to an age-based standard on January 1, 2023. While more children may receive increased assistance following the halving of the parental deduction in January 2025, the adjustments are insufficient and delayed compared to the original promises of enhanced support. The ISF has also pointed out that the regulations are unclear, creating uncertainty for children and their families, and undermining trust in the entire system.

Moreover, Försäkringskassan has been criticized for its failure to adequately include children's voices in the determination of their own cases. The ISF has recommended that Försäkringskassan improve its protocols to ensure that children are actively involved in the assessment of their needs. This includes providing practical support to caseworkers on how to engage with children, even those with communication difficulties.

It is unacceptable that the perspectives of children are not sufficiently considered in a just society. Allowing children to express their needs is crucial for forming an accurate understanding of their requirements and ensuring that the decisions made are fair.

Increasing the number of home visits is a proposed solution supported by the ISF. Such visits would enable caseworkers to gain better insight into the actual living conditions of children, thus enhancing the likelihood of their participation in the assessment process. Despite this, there has been a decline in home visits compared to pre-pandemic levels, a trend that must be reversed.

Immediate action is needed from both the government and Försäkringskassan. The regulations surrounding the parental responsibility deduction must be clarified, and the involvement of children in assessments must be strengthened. Establishing a reliable and just process for reviewing previously granted assistance is also critical. These steps are essential to ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they are entitled to.

The right to personal assistance is about enabling children to lead dignified lives. This obligation extends beyond legal responsibilities; it is a moral imperative. Försäkringskassan must take accountability and reform its practices to safeguard the future of children across Sweden.