Understanding VAB (Vård av Barn) in Sweden: A Guide for Parents

As a working parent, balancing work and family life can sometimes be challenging, especially when your children are sick. Thankfully, Sweden has a supportive system in place known as VAB (Vård av Barn), which allows parents to take time off work to care for their sick children and get reimbursed for that. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand VAB in Sweden, the rules and the benefits of it.

What is VAB?

VAB stands for "Vård av Barn" – basically, "taking care of children." It is a benefit provided by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) that allows parents to receive compensation for lost income when they need to stay home to care for a sick child.

Eligibility for VAB

To be eligible for VAB, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age of the Child: Your child must be between 8 months and 12 years old. In certain circumstances, such as if the child has a disability, VAB can be extended until the child is 16 years old.

• Employment Status: You must be employed or self-employed and have a loss of income due to staying home to care for your child. Those, who are actively search for work may also apply for VAB under special circumstances.

Who can take VAB?

Both parents are eligible for VAB, as well as their new partners, other relatives or even friends. Other people who are taking care of your child must apply on a form. Once the person has called Försäkringskassan, they will receive an application form in the mail. Both the parent and the person who has been off must sign the form.

How to Apply for VAB

Applying for VAB is straightforward:

1. Notify Your Employer and the kindergarden or school: Inform your employer as soon as possible that you need to take VAB. Notify your child’s kindergarten or school as the child must not go there if you are getting paid for staying home with the child.

2. Register with Försäkringskassan: Log in to Försäkringskassan’s online services and register your VAB claim. You can do this on the first day you are home with your child.

3. Submit Your Application: Ensure you submit your application within 90 days from the first day of VAB. Late applications may result in a loss of benefits.

Compensation Details

VAB provides temporary parental benefits to cover a portion of your lost income. The compensation is approximately 80% of your regular income, maximum compensation being around 1200 sek/day.  You can apply for VAB for maximum of 120 days per child in a year. This helps alleviate the financial burden while you focus on your child’s recovery.

Taking care of older children

Here are some situations when you can receive compensation if your child is between 12 and 16 years old:

• Doctor's Visit: If you need to accompany your child to the doctor, you must ask the doctor to write a certificate stating that it was necessary for you to accompany your child.

• Temporary Illness: If an otherwise healthy child becomes so ill that they cannot fend for themselves, for example, due to a high fever, you need a doctor's certificate from the first day you are not working.

• Long-term Illness or Disability: If your child has a long-term illness or disability that requires special supervision or care, you can get an advance decision that you are entitled to compensation for VAB. With an advance decision, you do not need a certificate until the eighth day of illness. To obtain an advance decision, you need a statement from a doctor.

Conditions for Receiving VAB

You can receive VAB under various conditions, including:

• Child’s Illness: When your child is sick and needs care at home.

• Medical Appointments: If you need to accompany your child to a doctor or hospital visit.

• Caregiver’s Illness: If the regular caregiver (e.g., daycare provider) is ill and unable to care for your child.

• Learning to Care: If you need to learn how to care for your child due to a new illness or condition.

What if a Child is Seriously ill?

• If your child is sick for more than 7 days, you will need a certificate from a nurse or doctor. Days when you do not receive compensation for VAB, such as Saturdays and Sundays, are also counted in the 7-day period.

• When a child is seriously ill, parents can receive compensation for VAB for the same child for an unlimited number of days. This applies until the child turns 18. "Seriously ill" means that the child's life is in danger, or that it would be in danger without treatment. You will need a doctor's report with a diagnosis and description of the child's illness and treatment.

Conclusion

VAB is a valuable benefit that supports parents in Sweden, ensuring they can care for their sick children without the added stress of financial loss. By understanding the rules and how to apply, you can make the most of this benefit and focus on what truly matters – your child’s health and well-being.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and take care of your little ones! 💙

Feel free to share this guide with other parents who might benefit from understanding VAB. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to BAC Agency Sweden !