Supported employment in a regular workplace, officially called Tilrettelagt arbeid i ordinær virksomhet (TA-O), gives people receiving disability benefit (uføretrygd) the opportunity to work in a regular business with workplace adjustments and close support. The scheme was given a new name and new rules on 1 September 2026.
What is supported employment in a regular workplace?
TA-O is an employment programme for people who receive disability benefit and need specific workplace adjustments and close support. The work takes place in a regular business, rather than being limited to a dedicated sheltered workplace.
NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) describes the aims as employment, a sense of achievement, development and inclusion. Your tasks should match your capacity for work. For example, a regular workplace can adjust the pace of work, working hours, equipment or the tasks you do.
TA-O is not automatically suitable for everyone who receives disability benefit. NAV assesses your situation and whether the programme is right for you. If you first need to understand the benefit itself, you can read the guide to disability benefit in 2026.
What changed on 1 September 2026?
The scheme was previously called varig tilrettelagt arbeid i ordinær virksomhet, meaning permanently supported employment in a regular workplace, and abbreviated to VTA-O. From 1 September 2026, it is called TA-O and provides more intensive support.
The biggest change is how support is provided. Previously, the employer received a separate grant. Under the new scheme, this has been replaced by closer, more systematic support for both you and your employer.
An adviser from an approved employment programme provider supports you and your employer throughout the placement. The support must be tailored to each individual. It can include:
- finding a suitable workplace and appropriate tasks
- drawing up a plan for the workplace adjustments you need
- supporting you and your employer when difficulties arise
- adjusting tasks or support as your needs change
- helping to keep your employment stable over time
The new rules do not apply retroactively. If you were already participating in VTA-O before 1 September 2026, your agreement continues under the old scheme. You therefore do not lose your place simply because the name and rules have changed.
Who can receive TA-O support?
The programme is intended for people who receive disability benefit, have a permanently reduced capacity for work, and need specific workplace adjustments and close support. You must also want to use your capacity for work in a regular business.
NAV assesses each person individually. This means that receiving disability benefit alone does not entitle you to a TA-O placement. Among other things, NAV considers what you can do, what you need help with, and whether other programmes would suit you better.
Workplace adjustments can be practical or organisational. They might include a quieter working environment, clear instructions, assistive devices, shorter periods of work or consistent routines. You can read more about assistive devices from NAV.
There is also permanently supported employment (varig tilrettelagt arbeid) in a pre-approved business. This is a different version of the programme. Ask NAV to explain which scheme they are considering for you, so that you know where you will work and who will support you.
Can you work and keep your disability benefit?
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefit, but earnings from work may reduce your payments. For participants in permanently supported employment, the earnings allowance is 1 G, which is 136 549 kroner as of 22 September 2026. Earnings above this allowance reduce your disability benefit at your individual reduction rate. The child supplement (barnetillegg) may be reduced at a lower level of total family income.
Always check the information in your own decision letter from NAV. Your assessed degree of disability, previous income and other benefits can affect the calculation.
Before you start work, you should do the following:
- Log in to NAV and find your income limit.
- Calculate your expected total annual income, including earnings from other jobs.
- Notify NAV if your expected income changes.
- Keep your employment contract, payslips and messages to NAV.
- Ask for a written explanation if you are unsure about the calculation.
Disability benefit from NAV and payment from your employer are separate things. You should therefore ask what your employment contract says about wages or other payments. Also read the overview of earning income while receiving disability benefit, and always check the figures against the information in your own NAV account.
How do you get a TA-O placement?
Start by contacting your NAV adviser and asking for an assessment for TA-O. You can explain what tasks you would like to do, what you can manage, and what workplace adjustments you need.
It can help to prepare a few specific points before the conversation:
- your experience, interests and tasks you enjoy
- how many hours or days you think would be realistic
- situations that cause pain, stress or other problems
- assistive devices and support that already work for you
- workplaces or industries that might suit you
NAV decides whether the programme is suitable and works with an employment programme provider. The provider delivers the more intensive support. The employer must help create a working arrangement that can remain sustainable over time.
Ask who is responsible for each step. You should know who to contact about absences, changes to your tasks, conflict or a need for more support. The tools page has more checklists that can help you gather documents and prepare questions.
What should be clear before you start?
Your tasks, working hours, workplace adjustments and contact people should be clearly agreed before your first day at work. Written agreements make misunderstandings easier to resolve.
Ask for answers to these questions:
| Topic | What you should clarify |
|---|---|
| Tasks | What will you do, and which tasks will you not be expected to do? |
| Hours | Which days and hours will you work? |
| Support | Who will support you, and how often will you meet? |
| Workplace adjustments | What equipment, pace of work or support will be provided? |
| Payment | Will you receive wages or another agreed form of payment? |
| Changes | Who should you contact if your health or needs change? |
You must be able to understand the agreement. Ask for plain language or an interpreter if necessary. Do not sign until any points you are unsure about have been explained to you.
If the arrangement is not working
Raise problems early with your contact person at work and the adviser from the employment programme provider. It should be possible to adjust the support as your needs change.
Write down what happens, when it happens, and what you would like to change. Ask for a meeting if the tasks are too demanding, the working hours do not suit you or the necessary workplace adjustments are missing. Contact NAV if the issue is not resolved.
The usual employment rules also apply in a regular workplace. The SamfunnPrep guide to dismissal and employee rights explains where you can get help with a dispute.
TA-O can offer a more secure route into regular employment when the tasks and support suit your needs. SamfunnPrep helps you understand Norwegian schemes and rights. Try it for free.
