The government proposes reducing engangsstønad from NOK 92,648 to NOK 67,100 from 1 July 2027. The cut is NOK 25,548 per child. As of 7 October 2026, this is a proposal, not an adopted new rate.
Has engangsstønad already been cut?
No. Nav, the labour and welfare agency, still lists NOK 92,648 per child on its engangsstønad page. The government’s proposal concerns a lower rate from July 2027.
Stortinget, Norway’s parliament, must consider the budget proposal. It is therefore important to distinguish current rules from what the government wants next year. See Nav’s current information about engangsstønad.
If you need help with the application itself, read SamfunnPrep’s guide to engangsstønad and choosing a benefit. This news concerns the new proposal, not a cut already implemented.
How large is the proposed cut?
The proposal means NOK 25,548 less per child, about 27.6 percent of the current rate. This is calculated from the amounts in the government’s proposal.
| Period | Amount per child | Status on 7 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Now | NOK 92,648 | Current Nav rate |
| 1 January–30 June 2027 | NOK 92,648 | Proposed rate |
| From 1 July 2027 | NOK 67,100 | Proposed lower rate |
The two periods in 2027 appear in the proposed resolution on engangsstønad, under “Sats for engangsstønad ved fødsel og adopsjon” — the lump sum grant rate at birth and adoption.
Barne- og familiedepartementet, the ministry responsible for family benefits, explains the cut by saying the support should be closer to the child’s expenses in the first year. That is the ministry’s rationale, not a calculation of what your own family needs. See the ministry’s discussion under chapter 2530, item 71.
Who might this matter to?
Engangsstønad is a single payment at birth or adoption. It may be relevant if you have not earned entitlement to parental benefit. You can also choose it even if you qualify for parental benefit.
You cannot receive both benefits for the same child. Once Nav has granted one, you cannot change your choice later. Compare the schemes before applying. The guide to parental benefit provides more background.
If you are new in Norway, also check your membership of folketrygden, Norway’s public National Insurance scheme. Nav’s main rule requires at least 12 months of continuous membership immediately before the due date or adoption date. A proposed rate does not mean all parents automatically qualify for the money. Nav explains the conditions.
Does applying early secure the current rate?
Do not assume that it does. Under current rules, the mother can apply from week 22 of pregnancy at the earliest. That alone does not establish which rate would apply at the transition in July 2027.
The budget proposal sources do not clarify here how the application date, due date, birth or taking over care should determine the rate in an individual transition case. Ask Nav to clarify this once final rules are known. Do not choose a benefit just because you think applying early locks in the amount.
What should you do now?
Plan using current rules and follow the next stages:
- Check whether engangsstønad or parental benefit suits you.
- Note the due date or date of taking over care, and clarify membership with Nav.
- Ask which date will determine the rate if your case is close to July 2027.
- Save Nav’s answer and read the decision when you receive it.
Use SamfunnPrep’s tools overview for other practical tasks before the child arrives.
