Fritidskortet now includes six-year-olds. Eligibility to apply for SEK 2,500 a year has also been extended to children whose guardians received the housing supplement called bostadstillägg in the previous year. The changes have applied since August 10 and are described in the Public Health Agency’s autumn update.
What happened?
When Fritidskortet launched, it was aimed at children and young people aged 8 to 16. Seven-year-olds were included in January 2026, followed by six-year-olds on August 10. The age extension therefore allows younger children to qualify for the support; it should not be confused with eligibility for the higher amount.
A separate change concerns guardians who received bostadstillägg in the previous year. They can now apply for their child to receive SEK 2,500 rather than SEK 550 on their Fritidskort. This covers the housing supplement from both the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and the Swedish Pensions Agency. Guardians receiving the separate housing benefit called bostadsbidrag were already able to apply for the higher level.
Location
Sverige
Impact and significance
Families planning autumn activities should distinguish between who is included, how much can be awarded and what the support can cover. A child becoming old enough for Fritidskortet does not automatically mean they receive SEK 2,500. The higher amount has specific conditions linked to support received by the guardian.
Fritidskortet can pay fees for regular activities in areas such as sport, culture and outdoor recreation. It applies to organisations and municipal arts schools listed in the Fritidskortet register. The authority also includes rental of equipment or assistive devices needed to participate in leisure activities. An activity and its provider must therefore be considered under the card’s rules, not only according to the child’s age.
Background
The aim is to help more children and young people enjoy active, meaningful leisure time regardless of family finances. In its September 2 news item, the Public Health Agency says more than 7,200 organisations and arts schools are registered. Almost half a million children and young people have been awarded Fritidskortet this year. More than 46,000 of them received the higher amount. The figures reflect the agency’s position at publication, not a final annual report.
Latest update
The changes are already in force, not proposals awaiting a later start. The original news item distinguishes between including six-year-olds and the additional group eligible to seek the higher amount. It does not determine any particular family’s individual entitlement, nor announce a new application deadline as part of the autumn update.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-09-07. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.