Facing increasing economic pressures, individuals navigating debt collection and bankruptcy in Sweden will soon receive some financial relief. Starting January 1, 2026, updated “normal amounts” will increase the portion of income protected from creditors, reflecting recent rises in the cost of living. These adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, aim to ensure a more enduring basic standard of living for those undergoing financial hardship and represent the second year of significant increases [ ].
Individuals undergoing debt collection or bankruptcy proceedings will see an increase in the amount of income they are allowed to keep for basic living expenses, starting January 1, 2026. The adjustments are based on updated “normal amounts” designed to reflect current price levels and ensure a basic standard of living.
These normal amounts, which determine the “allowable retention” for those with wage garnishments or in debt restructuring, are calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of the general price level in Sweden. The upcoming changes represent a more significant increase than usual for the second consecutive year, driven by rising costs for essentials like food, fuel, and utilities.
New Monthly Allowances
The revised monthly allowances, effective January 1, 2026, are as follows:
- $624.30 for a single adult
- $1,031.40 for married couples or those in similar partnerships
- $333.60 for children ages 0–6
- $400.40 for children ages 7–10
- $467.20 for children ages 11–14
- $533.90 for children age 15 and older.
Wage Garnishment Adjustments
Those subject to wage garnishment will have their cases automatically recalculated in January and do not need to take any action. Notifications of the updated decisions will be sent digitally to those with online access, and via postal mail to others.
Debt Restructuring Considerations
While no new debt restructuring decisions will be made specifically due to the updated normal amounts, future decisions will incorporate the revised figures. This ensures that ongoing debt management plans accurately reflect current living costs.
More information about the normal amounts is available here. You can also learn more about the Consumer Price Index on the website of Statistics Sweden: Konsumentprisindex (KPI)
