If you are an older adult

Last updated: 20/1-2025

If you are an older adult and no longer wish to or are unable to work, you may be entitled to a pension or other financial support. Here, you can find out about the requirements for receiving a pension and what other support you can receive from society when you get older, if you have a residence permit.

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You can apply for a pension if you have worked in Sweden

A pension is money you can apply for if you have worked in Sweden. The Swedish Pensions Agency pays out the state pension. How much you will receive depends on how long you have lived in Sweden, how much you have worked during that time and what you earned.

The later you choose to retire, the more money you will receive each month. Your year of birth determines when you can begin receiving a pension:

  • If you were born in 1960 or earlier, you can begin receiving your pension now.
  • If you were born in 1961 or 1962, the earliest you can begin receiving your pension is when you are 63 years of age.
  • If you were born in 1963 or later, the earliest you can begin receiving your pension is when you are 64 years of age.

If you want to apply for a pension from another country

If you have lived or worked in a country or countries other than Sweden, you may be entitled to a pension from that country. The Swedish Pensions Agency can help you to apply for a pension from another country if that country is in the EU/EEA or if Sweden has an agreement with that country. Contact the Swedish Pensions Agency and tell them which countries you have worked in to find out if they can assist you.

If you do not qualify for a pension

If you are 66 years of age or over and do not have a pension, you may be entitled to housing supplement or financial support for the elderly. This is financial support for those with a low or no pension. The decision on whether you are entitled to housing supplement or financial support for the elderly rests with the Swedish Pensions Agency.

If you have difficulty supporting yourself, you can also apply for financial assistance from the municipality. Contact your municipality to find out which support is available to you.

Living in Sweden after retirement

You have the right to live a good and active life when you retire. It is important that you are able to take care of your health, have a social life and receive the assistance you need in everyday life. As an older adult, you may be entitled to elderly care.

Words and terminology explained

State pension

The state pension is a national public pension paid out by the Swedish Pensions Agency.

Elderly care

Elderly care is support for older adults to improve their quality of life and security. For example:

  • support and assistance from staff in your own home (home help)
  • accommodation adapted to your needs if you need more care (special accommodation)
  • you can attend a daily activity centre.
If you are an older adult