Norway Reaches Out to 16,000 Young Disability Benefit Recipients to Offer Work and Education Support

Summary

From 22 September 2026, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) began contacting 16,000 young disability benefit recipients under 30 who have received benefits for at least two years. The initiative, part of the Norwegian government's broader push to bring more young people into employment, involves NAV sending SMS messages in batches through the end of 2026 offering information and support for employment and education. Recipients who respond are prioritised for a meeting with an adviser. The government has stressed that participation is entirely voluntary and that contacting NAV will not affect benefit entitlements. The share of 18-to-29-year-olds receiving disability benefits has remained broadly stable but declined slightly during the year to June 2026. This proactive outreach model differs from traditional approaches by contacting recipients who previously would not have been approached.