← FFCheckWho do I contact?NO
Health · Norway
Updated September 2026

💜 I care for a family member — what support can I get, and where?

Direct answer

Caring for a relative is work, and most countries now recognise it with respite care, a carer's allowance or benefit, leave rights and free advice — but only if you ask. Kommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønad (helsenorge.no) assesses the person you care for and your own needs and unlocks home help and respite; Helsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFO (23 32 70 00) is the carers' organisation for Norway with practical advice, peer groups and help with the paperwork; NAV — klage på vedtak (55 55 33 33) handles local services and, in many countries, the carer's allowance.

Call firstKommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønad
Report toHelsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFO
If that failsNAV — klage på vedtak

🗣️ What to say

"I care for my [relative] who has [condition] for about [hours] per week. I would like a needs assessment for them and a carer's assessment for myself, and information about respite care, allowances and leave from work."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Ask for both assessmentsThe person cared for and you. The carer's assessment is the one people forget — it opens respite and money.
  2. Talk to Helsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFOThey know the local rules, the forms, and the tricks; peer groups keep you sane.
  3. MoneyCarer's allowance or a personal budget the cared-for person can use to pay you; pension credits for caring years in several countries.
  4. WorkEU rules give carers' leave and the right to request flexible work; your employer has to answer in writing.
  5. RespiteDay care, short stays, replacement care at home — arranged through Kommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønad or NAV — klage på vedtak. Take it before you burn out, not after.

📇 All contacts

Kommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønadHome services, personal assistance, aids, appealsFor care and support🔗 www.helsenorge.no/hjelpetilbud-i-kommunene
Helsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFOChanging GP, exemption card, refundsFor finding a GP and care questions📞 23 32 70 00🔗 www.helsenorge.no/fastlegen
NAV — klage på vedtakBenefits, clawbacks, appeal to the social-security tribunalWithin 6 weeks of the decision📞 55 55 33 33🔗 www.nav.no/klage
Pasient- og brukerombudetIndependent, free help with healthcare complaintsWhen the provider does not respond🔗 www.pasientogbrukerombudet.no

❓ Frequently asked

Can I be paid to care?

In many countries yes, through a personal budget or a direct carer's benefit; conditions and amounts differ. Helsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFO explains the local scheme.

I cannot cope any more

Say exactly that to Kommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønad — it triggers emergency respite. And talk to your GP; carer burnout is a medical issue.

Does caring count for my pension?

Several countries credit caring years; ask the pension office or Helsenorge — bytte fastlege / HELFO.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “carer support Norway”
  • “carers allowance Norway”
  • “respite care how to apply”
  • “caring for parent help”
  • “carer leave rights”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Norway