Bereavement benefits in Norway
In some cases, you may be entitled to benefits when a relative dies. Generally, you must be a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden) to be entitled to transitional benefits to survivors. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, NAV, pays bereavement benefits to survivors.
Are you entitled to a benefit if your spouse or partner dies?
If you have lost a spouse, partner, or co-habitant with common children, you may be entitled to transitional benefits for a period after the death. In some cases, you may also receive the benefit if you were previously married to the deceased. After 6 months, you must generally be working or in work-related activity so that you can eventually support yourself.
The length of the marriage, and whether children are involved, determines what you may be entitled to if a spouse or partner dies. The main rule is that the deceased must have been a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme in the last five years before their death. In some cases, membership of a national insurance scheme in another EEA country may count in the same way as membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
Generally, you must be a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden) to be entitled to transitional benefits in Norway. More information about transitional benefits and who may be entitled to them can be found via the following links.
Previously, you could receive a survivor’s pension, but this pension is being phased out, and no new recipients will receive survivor’s pension.
Are you entitled to a children’s pension if a parent dies?
Children who lose one or both parents may be entitled to a children’s pension. This pension is intended to ensure the child has an income on which to live, and is paid by NAV.
What happens to the pension of a spouse or co-habitant when they die?
Retirement pension from the National Insurance Scheme is paid for the rest of your life, and stops when you die. Consequently, this pension is not inherited. A surviving spouse or co-habitant may apply for transitional benefit for a period after the death.
Who should you contact if you have questions?
Contact NAV if you have questions about benefits to survivors or children’s pension.
Please fill in our contact form if you have any questions or if you have encountered an obstacle in another Nordic country.
NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.
