How much do I get to keep?

As part of our investigation before a salary attachment we calculate an amount that you will always be entitled to keep. Many people refer to this as the subsistence level – we call it the reserved amount.

What is included in the reserved amount?

The reserved amount includes

• your accommodation costs
• a standard amount to cover your normal living costs.

The standard amount includes expenses for

• food
• clothing
• toiletries
• phone
• household electricity
• insurance
• other minor expenses for temporary needs.

How much is the standard amount?

The Enforcement Authority determines the size of the standard amount each year. The standard amount is linked to the consumer price index set by Statistics Sweden and commissioned by the government.

For 2021 the standard amount is:

• SEK 5 016 for a single adult
• SEK 8 287 for spouses or cohabitants living together
• SEK 2 662 for children up to the age of 6
• SEK 3 064 for children aged 7 and above.

Are there any factors that reduce the standard amount?

It is useful to know that the standard amount for children is affected if you receive e g

• maintenance allowances
• child benefits
• study grants.

The standard amount is reduced by the amount you receive in allowances, benefits or grants, but the reduction will of course never exceed the standard amount itself.

How much do I get to keep for my accommodation?

In addition to the standard amount you also get to keep money for your accommodation. The amount you get to keep will vary depending on your type of accommodation:

• If you live in a rented flat, your accommodation costs are your rent plus heating costs.
• If you live in a detached house or a tenant-owned flat we will make an individual assessment. Interest payments on home loans, heating costs and other running costs may then be included in your accommodation costs.

Only the amount that you actually pay in accommodation costs will be considered. If you receive a housing allowance or a housing supplement, your accommodation costs will be reduced accordingly.

What expenses can I get supplements for?

There are some expenses that you can get supplements for. These include:

• The family’s expenses for medication and visits to the doctor. Supplements can be paid up to the high-cost protection limit. If you have illness-related expenses that are not subsidised under the high-cost protection scheme you need to have a doctor’s certificate. Alternative medicine is not included.
• Travel expenses to and from work.
• Childcare expenses.
• Expenses for contact with children who don’t live with you, but for whom you have a maintenance obligation. You can get a supplement of SEK 40 per day and child when the child is in your care. You can also, to a reasonable extent, get compensation for the cost of travel for child visitation. You should be able to provide proof of how the cost of travel is devided between the parents. 
• Alimony that you pay directly to the other parent, or to the child if s/he is over 18.
• Some expenses for special diets. You need to be able to show a doctor’s certificate.
• Expenses for glasses. You need to be able to show a certificate and a cost proposal.
• Expenses for extensive dental care. You need to be able to show a dentist’s certificate before the treatment begins. The certificate must include information about:
• the necessity of the treatment
• what the total cost will be
• what share of it you will pay
• how you are going to pay
• the treatment being the least expensive option.