Child Benefit
Barnetrygd fra NAV
Why this matters
Norway pays a monthly child benefit (barnetrygd) for every child aged 0–17, regardless of household income. It is not automatic for immigrants — you must apply via nav.no and do so quickly, as back-payments are limited to three months.
Key Vocabulary
barnetrygd
BAR-neh-trygd
child benefit
NAV
nahv
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration
søknad
SUHK-nahd
application
primær omsorgsperson
pree-MAYR om-SORGS-per-son
primary caregiver
småbarnstillegg
SMAW-barns-til-eg
small child supplement (under 3 years)
kontantstøtte
kon-TANT-stuh-teh
cash-for-care benefit (ages 1–2, not in barnehage)
barnehage
BAR-neh-hah-geh
kindergarten / nursery
enslig forsørger
ENS-lee for-SURG-er
single parent / sole provider
folkeregisteret
FOL-keh-reg-is-TER-et
national population register
utbetaling
oot-beh-TAH-ling
payment / disbursement
fødselsnummer
FUHD-sels-num-er
national identity number (11 digits)
oppholdstillatelse
OP-hols-til-ah-tel-seh
residence permit
trygderettigheter
TRYGD-eh-ret-ih-heh-ter
social security entitlements
retroaktivt
reh-troh-ak-TEET
retroactively / backdated
Cultural Tips
Barnetrygd is universal — income does not matter.
Unlike child benefit systems in many countries, Norwegian barnetrygd is not means-tested. A family earning 2 million kr per year receives the same monthly amount as a minimum-wage household. Do not assume you earn too much to qualify.
Apply the day you arrive with your children.
For immigrants who move to Norway with children already born, the benefit is not registered automatically. Back-payment is capped at three months before the application date, so every month you delay costs you money.
Payment goes to the primary caregiver, not the household.
NAV pays barnetrygd to whichever parent is registered as the primary caregiver (primær omsorgsperson) in folkeregisteret. If custody changes, you must update folkeregisteret promptly — payments do not change automatically.
Kontantstøtte and barnehage do not mix.
Kontantstøtte is an additional payment for children aged 13–23 months who are NOT in a subsidised barnehage. If your child starts barnehage, you must notify NAV immediately or you will be required to repay the kontantstøtte.
Key Phrases
Jeg ønsker å søke om barnetrygd for barnet mitt.
I would like to apply for child benefit for my child.
Starting the online form on nav.no.
Når begynner utbetalingen?
When does the payment start?
Asking NAV after submitting your application.
Har jeg rett til småbarnstillegg?
Am I entitled to the small child supplement?
Asking about the extra payment for children under three.
Barnet mitt er ikke i barnehage — kan jeg søke kontantstøtte?
My child is not in kindergarten — can I apply for the cash-for-care benefit?
Enquiring about kontantstøtte for a child aged 1–2.
Jeg er enslig forsørger. Får jeg høyere barnetrygd?
I am a single parent. Do I get higher child benefit?
Asking NAV about the extended benefit for single parents.
Kan jeg endre hvem som mottar barnetrygden?
Can I change who receives the child benefit?
After a custody change, asking NAV to update the payee.
Hvor finner jeg søknadsskjemaet på nav.no?
Where do I find the application form on nav.no?
Asking a NAV adviser to guide you to the right form.
Practical Steps
Check that your child is registered in folkeregisteret
Before applying, make sure your child has a Norwegian fødselsnummer and is registered at your address in folkeregisteret. If your child was born abroad and you have just arrived, visit your local Skatteetaten service centre. Without this number NAV cannot process your application.
Apply online at nav.no as soon as possible
Log in to nav.no with BankID or MinID and search for "barnetrygd". The digital form takes about 10 minutes. You will need your child's fødselsnummer, your Norwegian bank account number, and information about your residence permit if you are not an EEA citizen.
Understand the amounts and supplements
The standard rate in 2024 is approximately 1,766 kr per month per child from birth until the month the child turns 18. If your child is under three, you may also qualify for småbarnstillegg of approximately 660 kr per month. Single parents (enslig forsørger) receive benefit for one additional "virtual child".
Check eligibility for kontantstøtte if your child is 1–2
If your child is between 13 and 23 months old and is not enrolled in a subsidised municipal barnehage, you may be entitled to kontantstøtte. Apply separately on nav.no. The benefit is pro-rated if your child attends part-time. Report changes in barnehage attendance immediately.
Keep NAV updated on changes
Barnetrygd eligibility changes with life events: child starting barnehage, change of custody, child moving abroad for more than 90 days. All must be reported to NAV promptly. Failure can result in NAV reclaiming overpaid amounts (tilbakebetaling), sometimes years later.
Verify the first payment
Barnetrygd is paid on or around the 20th of each month. After approval (typically 4–6 weeks), log in to nav.no to confirm your bank account details under "Utbetalinger". If payment has not arrived, contact NAV on 55 55 33 33 or use the chat on nav.no.