Sweden implements new law allowing grandparents paid parental leave

Sweden has introduced a pioneering law permitting grandparents to receive paid parental leave while caring for their grandchildren during the child’s first year. This initiative, effective from Monday, follows approval by the Swedish parliament last December. 

It marks a significant development in the nation’s longstanding commitment to family welfare, dating back 50 years when Sweden became the first country to mandate paid parental leave for fathers alongside mothers.

Under the new law, parents can transfer a portion of their parental leave entitlement to grandparents. Couples can transfer up to 45 days, while single parents can allocate up to 90 days. The Social Insurance Agency, responsible for administering Sweden’s social insurance system, confirmed these provisions.

Sweden, known for its robust social welfare system funded by taxpayers, guarantees comprehensive support from infancy through adulthood. Upon a child’s birth, parents are entitled to full leave from work. Parental benefits extend to 480 days per child, with compensation for 390 days based on full income and a fixed daily amount of 180 kronor ($17) for the remaining 90 days.

Additional benefits include the option for parents to work reduced hours until their child reaches 8 years old, and government employees can extend reduced hours until the child turns 12.

Alexandra Wallin of the Social Insurance Agency expressed optimism about the new law, highlighting its potential to enhance flexibility for families. She clarified that grandparents seeking parental leave must meet the same eligibility criteria as other recipients.

In Avesta, a town northwest of Stockholm, local resident Ritva Kärkkäinen shared her intent to potentially take leave from work to assist with her grandchildren, underscoring the law’s practical implications.

Sweden’s journey towards inclusive parental policies began in 1974 with the introduction of gender-neutral parental leave. Initially, each parent was entitled to six months of leave per child. Over time, parental leave uptake by fathers has increased, with current statistics showing fathers taking approximately 30% of the total parental leave days.

The law also accommodates retirees and specifies that recipients cannot seek employment or pursue studies while receiving parental allowance.

This latest legislative step reinforces Sweden’s global leadership in family-oriented policies, setting a precedent for inclusive and supportive measures benefiting generations of families.