Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it? · Sweden

Direct answer

Whether you are owed severance depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and your length of service — a legal minimum in many countries, a collective agreement in others, and sometimes only what you negotiate. What is common everywhere: get the calculation in writing, do not sign a waiver, and check before the deadline. Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco) (lo.se) knows the collective agreement and calculates for members; Tingsrätten (oorganiserad) / Arbetsdomstolen (via facket) (domstol.se) enforces an unpaid severance like unpaid wages; Rättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringen (060 13 46 00) gives free advice if you are not a member.

Call firstDitt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco)

Report toTingsrätten (oorganiserad) / Arbetsdomstolen (via facket)

If that failsRättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringen

🗣️ What to say

"My employment ended on [date] after [years] of service by [dismissal / redundancy]. Under [law / collective agreement] I am entitled to severance of [amount / formula]. Please pay it with the final salary and send the calculation in writing."

🪜 Step by step

Find the basisLaw, collective agreement or contract. Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco) tells you in one call which applies and the formula.
Ask for the calculationYears of service, salary basis, any caps. Errors are common — in the employer's favour.
Do not sign a waiverA settlement can include severance; a "final settlement" form can waive it. Read before signing.
Unpaid: Tingsrätten (oorganiserad) / Arbetsdomstolen (via facket)Payment order or labour court, like unpaid wages. Short deadlines after the end of employment.
Tax and benefitSeverance may be taxed favourably and may delay unemployment benefit; ask before you agree the timing.

📇 All contacts

Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco)Negotiates and pursues wage and dismissal disputesRight away — join if you are not a member🔗 www.lo.se

Tingsrätten (oorganiserad) / Arbetsdomstolen (via facket)Contesting dismissal within two weeks, wage disputesWithin two weeks of the dismissal🔗 www.domstol.se

Rättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringenLegal aid on low income; legal-expenses cover via home insuranceWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 060 13 46 00 🔗 www.rattshjalp.se

Arbetsmiljöverket / Arbetsdomstolen — via facketEmployer supervision; labour disputes via the union or the district courtFor breaches of working-environment and working-time rules📞 010 730 90 00 🔗 www.av.se

❓ Frequently asked

I was on a fixed-term contract

End of a fixed term is not a dismissal, but some countries pay a fixed-term premium or end-of-contract indemnity. Ask Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco).

They say I was dismissed for misconduct

Serious misconduct removes severance in many countries — which is why employers allege it. Contest the ground; see the dismissal page.

Redundancy: is there a minimum?

In most countries yes, by years of service; collective agreements often add more, and a social plan more still.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💰 Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it?