2,100 more were paid disability insurance in the third quarter

NAV,NAV logo. Photo Norway Today Media

Over 334,000 people were paid disability insurance at the end of September.This is an increase of 2,100 people, but the proportion of social security payments remains stable.

 

This is shown in figures for the third quarter from Nav.A total of 9.8% of the population aged 18 to 67 years old are disabled.

This is the same share as at the end of the second quarter.

There has been an increase in all counties in the past year,except in Troms, which has had a decline.

In Østfold, the proportion of disabled people is 14.4%, while the proportion in Oslo is 5.4%.

“Local labour market conditions, age composition and different educational levels explain much of the geographical variation in the number of disabled people” said Vågeng.

Compared to a year ago, there has been an increase in the disability rate in all age groups from 20 to 59 years. There has been a decline among people over 60 years, and the proportion is stable for 18-19 year olds.

‘’Growth in the number of disabled people is expected, and we are also expecting further growth in the future. Developments must be seen in the context of population growth, population ageing,and changes in the rules for employment clearance’’ said Sigrun Vågeng,Minister for Labour and Welfare.

More than 10% of the disabled people, 34,500 people, were born abroad.

From the beginning of 2018, the time allowed for unemployment benefit payments was reduced.Part of the increase in disability benefits is due to this change.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today