Processing times surge at Försäkringskassan as Sweden’s social insurance agency struggles with understaffing

Processing times at Sweden’s Försäkringskassan (Social Insurance Agency) are increasing, with the situation already classified as “serious and very pressured” early in the summer. Both employees and those seeking benefits are feeling the impact. General Director Nils Öberg stated that it is unacceptable for people to wait weeks or even months for decisions or payments.

The time required for payments varies depending on the type of benefit, but currently, the agency expects processing times for new sick leave cases to be around 50 days after the summer, potentially increasing to 70 days by the end of the year. Typically, this process is expected to take about 30 days.

Öberg acknowledged that the agency is understaffed relative to its responsibilities, complicating efforts to prioritize and deliver timely assistance. Currently, Försäkringskassan employs 13,000 staff—1,700 fewer than the previous year, attributed to budget cuts amid rising costs. As applications for sick leave and family benefits increase, the agency has also been assigned several partially unfunded tasks, including enhanced support for assistance, care allowances, and compensation for extra costs.

The agency has requested 1.3 billion SEK annually over the next three years to address these issues. In the budget proposal submitted for the upcoming fall budget, it emphasized the need for increased government funding or a reduction in its responsibilities.

The escalating processing times have raised concerns among the public, prompting individuals affected by the delays to reach out for assistance.