# AAP (work assessment allowance) 2026: requirements, rates and duration

Everything about work assessment allowance (AAP) in 2026: who is eligible, how much you get, how long you can receive it, and how to apply to NAV.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/aap-2026
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-06-30T22:13:36.746+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-13T10:58:44.215857+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- Requirements AAP requires that illness or injury has reduced your work capacity by at least 50 percent, that you are 18–67 years old, and that you have been a member of the National Insurance Scheme for 5 years.
- Rate You receive 66 percent of your previous income up to 6G, or a minimum of 278 697 kroner per year in 2026 (185 798 kroner if you became ill before age 25).
- Duration You can receive AAP for up to 3 years, with possible extension for up to 2 years. The waiting period was removed in 2022, so you can apply again right away.

**Work Assessment Allowance (AAP)** is NAV's benefit when illness or injury has reduced your work capacity by at least 50% and you need treatment or work-oriented assistance. You receive **66% of previous income**, must have been a member of the National Insurance for **5 years**, and can receive AAP for up to **3 years** — with possible extension. This guide shows the legal basis, rates, activity obligation, application process and immigrant-relevant rules for 2026.

## Legal basis: National Insurance Act Chapter 11

AAP regulated by **National Insurance Act Chapter 11** (§§ 11-1 to 11-31):

- **§ 11-2** — National Insurance membership
- **§ 11-4** — age (18–67)
- **§ 11-5** — reduced work capacity 50%+
- **§ 11-6** — need for treatment/measures
- **§ 11-8** — cooperation obligation
- **§ 11-9** — meldekort (report card) every 14 days
- **§ 11-12 ff.** — benefit calculation
- **§ 11-17** — child supplement
- **§ 11-25** — maximum duration

## What is AAP – and where does it fit?

AAP is between **sick pay** and **[disability pension](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/uforetrygd-2026)**. When you get sick you first get [sick pay](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/sykemelding-norge) for up to one year. If not fit for work after that but too early to say you'll never return, AAP is money to live on while being assessed.

Aim is help you **back to work**. So you receive money while doing treatment, measures, education or work training.

AAP is **not the same as unemployment benefit** — see [unemployment after termination](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/dagpenger-etter-oppsigelse-nav). New in country: see [NAV for immigrants](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/nav-norge-innvandrere) and [social assistance](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/okonomisk-sosialhjelp-nav).

## Who is entitled?

All conditions:

- **Age:** 18–67. Right ends month you turn 67.
- **Reduced work capacity:** illness/injury reducing capacity **at least 50%**.
- **Need assistance:** active treatment, work measures.
- **Membership:** **at least 5 years** continuously right before application.

### 5-year requirement for immigrants

Until 2021 it was 3 years; **raised to 5 years from 1 January 2021**.

- **EEA nationals:** insurance time from other EEA countries counts under **EEA Regulation 883/2004**
- **Working when got ill:** may give right with shorter residency
- **Refugees:** special rules under § 11-2 second paragraph
- **Under 26 and young disabled:** no 5-year need

## Rates 2026

AAP = **66% of basis**. Basis is income year before capacity reduced, or **average of last three years** if higher. **Income over 6G** doesn't count.

**Basic amount G (2026):** NOK 136,549 — so 6G = **NOK 819,294**.

### Minimum rates

| Situation | Minimum AAP/year (2026) |
|---|---|
| 25+ | **NOK 278,697** (2.041 G) |
| Got ill before 25 | **NOK 185,798** |

### Child supplement 2026

- **NOK 38 per child per day**, 5 days/week
- ~NOK 9,900/year per child
- **Means-tested**
- Documentation required

### Tax and pension accrual

- AAP **taxable** as salary
- Paid for **5 days/week**
- Old-age pension **accrues**
- No holiday pay on AAP
- No National Insurance contribution deducted

### Working alongside

Up to **60% of full working time** normally. AAP reduced proportionally. Point is trying work without losing benefit at once.

**Example:** NOK 300,000/year AAP + starts 40% work — AAP reduced to ~NOK 180,000 but total (AAP + salary) higher.

## Duration

- **Main rule:** up to **3 years**
- **Extension:** up to **2 more years** if near work
- **Special cases:** longer exceptionally
- **Karensår (52-week waiting)** **abolished 1 July 2022** — can apply again immediately

## Activity obligation

### Activity plan

With NAV creates plan covering treatment, work measures, education, job search.

### Common measures

1. **Work-preparation measures (AFT)**
2. **Clarification** — 4–12 weeks assessment
3. **Follow-up** — job coach
4. **Work training** — placement
5. **Wage subsidy** — employer gets part of wage 6–12 mo
6. **Education** — [upper secondary](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/voksenrett-videregaende-gratis), trade certificate — see [trade certificate as adult](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/fagbrev-som-voksen)
7. **Adapted work (VTA)**

### Meldekort every 14 days

Confirms right, reports hours worked, holidays. Must be sent by **Tuesday** after period.

**Late meldekort = reduced or stopped payment.** Notifications via [Digipost/eBoks](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/digital-postkasse-digipost-ebok) or SMS.

### Sanctions for breaches

- **Meldekort not sent:** payment stops
- **Missing meetings:** may lose right
- **Not completing measures:** warning, then loss
- **False information:** repayment + possible [fraud report](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/anmelde-til-politiet-norge)

## How to apply

### Step 1: Medical certificate

Visit GP for **medical assessment**.

### Step 2: Digital application

1. Log in at **nav.no** with [BankID or MinID](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/bankid-id-porten-minid)
2. «Application for work assessment allowance»
3. Attach:
   - Medical certificate
   - CV and work history
   - Income documentation
   - Children documentation

### Step 3: NAV appointment

NAV invites to **needs/work capacity assessment**.

### Step 4: Decision

To [Digipost/eBoks](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/digital-postkasse-digipost-ebok) within 4–8 weeks:

- **Approved:** first payment 2–4 weeks later
- **Rejected:** 6-week appeal
- Retroactive to application date

### Step 5: Payment

- Monthly to Norwegian bank account — [open account](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/apne-bankkonto-norge)
- Around **20th monthly**
- Meldekort every 14 days

## Appeal

### To NAV

1. **Written appeal** within **6 weeks**
2. NAV local office first
3. Then **NAV Complaints Body**
4. Then **Social Security Court**

### Free legal aid

Legal Aid Act § 11 provides free aid for social security cases below income limits. See [rule of law](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/rettsstat-og-domstolene-norge).

## AAP, sick pay or disability — differences

| Benefit | When | Rate | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sick pay** | First year sick | 100% of salary up to 6G | 12 months |
| **AAP** | Under assessment | 66% of basis | Up to 3 years (+2) |
| **[Disability pension](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/uforetrygd-2026)** | Permanently reduced | 66% of basis | Until 67 |

## Special for immigrants and refugees

### Introduction programme

Participants receive introduction allowance — combined with AAP in some cases.

### Ukrainian refugees

**Collective protection** (§ 34) can give right through special rules.

### Insurance time from EEA countries

**EEA Regulation 883/2004** — insurance time from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany etc. counts. Submit **E-104** or **U1**.

### Language support

NAV offers interpreter. Material in English, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali, Tigrinya etc.

## Common questions

### Travel abroad on AAP?

Limited — normally **up to 4 weeks/year** in EEA/UK. Outside EEA: prior NAV approval.

### AAP as student?

Students normally not entitled — use [Lånekassen](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/lanekassen-flyktninger-eos). Exception if got ill while student.

### AAP again after max?

Yes — karensår abolished 2022. New application possible.

### What at transition to disability?

See [disability pension 2026](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/uforetrygd-2026).

## Summary

AAP regulated by **National Insurance Act Chapter 11** and given when work capacity **at least 50% reduced**. Rate **66% of basis** (income up to 6G = NOK 819,294 in 2026), minimum **NOK 278,697/year** for 25+ and **NOK 185,798** for young under 25. **Child supplement** NOK 38/child/day. Duration **up to 3 years + 2 extension**; karensår abolished 2022. Required **5-year National Insurance membership** — but EEA Regulation 883/2004 credits insurance time from other EEA countries. **Activity obligation** with plan, meldekort every 14 days, participation in measures. Application via nav.no with medical certificate and BankID. Appeal within **6 weeks** to NAV Complaints Body, then Social Security Court. Can work **up to 60%** alongside. Permanent reduction: transition to [disability pension](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/uforetrygd-2026). Ukrainians with collective protection and refugees have special rules. Check updated rates at nav.no — basic amount G adjusted 1 May yearly.

## FAQ

### How much is AAP in 2026?

AAP is 66 percent of your base amount, which is your income before you became ill (income over 6G, 819 294 kroner in 2026, does not count). If you had low or no income, you receive the minimum rate of 278 697 kroner per year, or 185 798 kroner if you became ill or injured before age 25.

### How long can I receive work assessment allowance?

The main rule is up to 3 years. NAV can extend the period by up to 2 years if you are close to returning to work. The waiting period was removed on 1 July 2022, so you can apply again right away if your work capacity remains reduced.

### Do I need to have lived in Norway for 5 years to get AAP?

The main rule is that you must have been a member of the National Insurance Scheme for at least 5 years before you apply (increased from 3 years in 2021). There are exceptions, for example if you were working when your work capacity was reduced, or have insurance time from another EEA country. Ask NAV about your situation.

### What is the difference between AAP and disability pension?

AAP is a temporary benefit while there is still hope that you can return to work through treatment or measures. Disability pension is for you when it is clarified that your work capacity is permanently reduced. Many receive AAP first and disability pension only if work is not possible.

### How do I apply for AAP?

You apply digitally by logging in on nav.no, and attach a medical certificate documenting that your work capacity is reduced by at least 50 percent. Apply in good time before your sickness benefits end. While you receive AAP, you must follow an activity plan and send a work report every 14 days.

## Sources

- [Arbeidsavklaringspenger (AAP)](https://www.nav.no/aap)
- [Folketrygdloven kapittel 11 – Arbeidsavklaringspenger](https://lovdata.no/nav/folketrygdloven/kap11)
- [Grunnbeløpet i folketrygden](https://www.nav.no/grunnbelopet)
- [Unntakene fra regelen – Om endringer i varighet på AAP og avviklingen av karensåret](https://www.nav.no/no/nav-og-samfunn/kunnskap/analyser-fra-nav/arbeid-og-velferd/arbeid-og-velferd/arbeid-og-velferd-nr.2-2025/unntakene-fra-regelen--om-endringer-i-varighet-pa-aap-og-avviklingen-av-karensaret)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "AAP (work assessment allowance) 2026: requirements, rates and duration", SamfunnPrep, 2026-06-30T22:13:36.746+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/aap-2026