Bostadstillägg serves as a crucial financial lifeline for seniors facing high housing costs on a modest pension.
In Sweden, individuals aged 66 and older who receive their full pension can apply for this housing allowance through the Pensions Authority. However, they often find themselves grappling with lengthy waiting times.
The protracted processing durations have drawn criticism from the Justice Ombudsman (JO) on multiple occasions, yet the backlog continues to grow.
For instance, between January and October 2025, the average wait time for first-time applicants soared to 106 days, a noticeable increase from the 72 days reported during the same period last year. Currently, around 500 first-time applications have languished for more than six months, with approximately 30 cases exceeding a full year.
“Disappointed and Frustrated”
Among those feeling the strain is 80-year-old Hans Nyberg, a resident of Haninge, just outside Stockholm. He has been left waiting for a decision longer than he anticipated.
– “It’s hard not to feel angry and disappointed at an authority that can’t provide a clear answer,” he remarks.
Though he remains uncertain about his eligibility for the housing allowance, he hopes it will ease his financial burdens. In a bid to stabilize his finances, he recently sold his car.
Addressing the Backlog
The Pensions Authority, responsible for administering the housing allowance, acknowledges that some processing times are indeed excessive.
– “While a wait of two to three months for a decision can be justified, a delay extending beyond six months is simply too long,” notes Denana Lövgren, the acting head of the department for housing and income support. She adds:
– “We’re continuously striving to enhance our efficiency, but applicants also play a role. Many submissions are either incomplete or incorrect, necessitating extensive research that prolongs processing times.”
For those who have been waiting six months or more, there’s an option to file a delay petition, prompting the authority to resolve the case within four weeks.
Footnote: Hans Nyberg has previously served as a trustee for the Sweden Democrats in his local municipality.
