In English

Challenges in the Norwegian welfare system

Approximately 700 000 persons in the Norwegian work force receive different kinds of benefits. Statistics show that this number is on the increase, especially among young people. An extensive reform is required to reverse this development.

The NAV merger

NAV is a merger of three former organisations:

• The National Insurance organisation (state)
• The National Employment Service (state)
• The Social Welfare System (municipal)

The reform concerns 16 000 employees, and more than 2 million users.

The objectives of the reform

• More people at work and in activity, fewer on benefits
• A user friendly, user oriented system
• A coordinated, efficient employment and welfare administration

To achieve these objectives, an active approach towards the users, focusing on job oriented activities and individual adjusted follow-up systems is required . It is also necessary for the municipal and state organisations to find an adequate way to interact locally.

Establishing the local offices

• 25 local offices open in the fall of 2006
• The rest will be established in the period 2007 - 2009. There will be a NAV office in every municipality.

Accessibility of the services

Services shall be offered as self-service where possible. Self-service on the Internet and by telephone makes the services more accessible for the users and gives more time for closer follow-up for users with extensive or complex problems.

The self-service systems must be offered in such a way that all groups of users can reach them, e.g. through adjustment of font size on web site and multi-lingual phone service.

All services will be available at the local NAV office.