NAV launches pilot project for youth income support

NAV is launching a pilot project in Trondheim called ‘Et enklere Nav’ starting November 1. The initiative aims to provide young people between 18 and 29 with a guaranteed minimum income through a new benefit called ‘aktivitetspenger’ (activity money). The program is designed to simplify access to financial support and accelerate the transition into work or education by removing the requirement to document illness.

The benefit amounts vary by age: participants aged 25 to 29 can receive approximately 278,697 NOK annually (about 23,225 NOK per month), while those aged 18 to 24 can receive approximately 185,796 NOK annually (about 15,483 NOK per month), before tax. To qualify, participants must be outside of work or education, require assistance from NAV, and follow an activity plan.

While the government has proposed 96.5 million NOK for the trial in 2027, the minimum rates have faced criticism. Roger Bjørnstad, chief economist for LO, stated that the amounts are barely enough for an adult to survive on.