From weeks to months – now the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's processing times are increasing and the wait for money can be long for many.
It's a very serious and pressing situation, says the authority's general director.
While waiting for support from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, many are forced to find other ways to make ends meet.
She can apply for maintenance support and might get it, I can apply for a loan and might get it – but everything is uncertain, says Anna Therese Winblad, who lives with her autistic daughter in Stockholm.
Money next year
The daughter is of age but has given her mother the right to speak about the situation. Right now, she is waiting for a decision on activity compensation – an economic support from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency for those with disabilities.
The wait for money looks like it will be long, notes Anna Therese, who helps with applications.
The latest message is that the processing time is eight months. That would mean money not until sometime next year.
Anna Therese is worried.
I can't afford to support her. My daughter's application is for an extension of an already approved compensation, but until it's approved again, we don't know.
A very serious situation
The processing times are increasing, and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency is approaching its limits, says General Director Nils Öberg.
It can't be denied. We're in a very serious situation right now, and our staff is working hard to make it work.
The agency has 1,700 fewer employees than last year – a result of cost-cutting measures due to increased costs. Added to that is increased pressure, as more people are applying for insurance within the sickness benefit and child and family areas. The agency has also received an expanded assignment that is partially unfunded.
Overall, it means we don't have the resources needed to manage all the insurance and benefits we're responsible for. That's the harsh reality, says Nils Öberg to TT.
We're asking for more funds for the next budget period, 1.3 billion per year for the next three years. Those are very large amounts that need to be allocated.
Social benefits while waiting for compensation
Many are testifying to a summer without money. Several have contacted TT, and in the Facebook group "Försäkringskassanupproret" (The Swedish Social Insurance Agency Uprising), the sick and relatives of people with disabilities are writing about their anxiety for the coming months.
Many are affected, not least young people, says Anna Therese Winblad, who is active in the Autism Sweden association and also sits as a non-political representative on the municipal council's committee for disability issues in Stockholm.
You put your trust in an authority to get help. Now my daughter is secure in knowing that I'll take care of her. But there are many who don't have it that way.
