The first Norwegian legislation regarding family allowances was adopted in 1946. The family allowance scheme was introduced to help to cover the costs of having children, and is designed to facilitate equitable redistribution between families with and without children. Today, the family allowance scheme comprises the most important social insurance support scheme for families with children.
The government-financed family allowance scheme is administered by the National Insurance Administration and the local social insurance offices. Under the scheme, all persons living in Norway and supporting children under the age of 18 are entitled to receive a child benefit. This right applies from the first month after the birth or adoption of a child, and extends up to and including the month before the child reaches the age of 18.
There is a residency requirement attached to the family allowance scheme. Families with children who reside in Norway for less than 12 months are not eligible for the family allowance scheme. Recipient families residing outside of Norway for a period of less than 12 months are normally entitled to continue receiving a child benefit while abroad. Families residing outside of Norway for a period exceeding the twelve-month limit must satisfy special conditions to be eligible for a child benefit. Under the provisions of the EEA Agreement, Norway must also pay a child benefit for children living in another EEA country if the provider is working in Norway.
The specific amount of the child benefit is determined by the Storting (Norwegian national assembly) in its annual fiscal budget. In 2004, the child benefit has been set at NOK 970 (approx. EUR 121) per month per child. An extended child benefit is available for single parents who fulfil various special requirements and for families with special needs. There are also regional supplements available for families residing in the far northern areas. The monthly child benefit is not subject to taxation.
By the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Family Affairs