Question 1

What do I do if I've lost my job?

Accepted Answer

First, you need to register as a job seeker at nav.no. Then you can apply for unemployment benefits if you meet the requirements. You must have earned above the minimum income requirement. See nav.no/dagpenger for current amounts and our guides for step-by-step help.

Question 2

How long does it take to get a response to a NAV application?

Accepted Answer

Processing time varies by benefit type. Check nav.no for current processing times. You can check the status of your application under "My cases" at nav.no.

Question 3

What happens if I forget to submit my employment status form?

Accepted Answer

Then you won't receive payment for that period. You can submit the form up to 8 days late, but you'll have a deduction from your payment. After 8 days, you lose the money for that period. Set a reminder on your phone!

Question 4

Can I travel abroad while receiving unemployment benefits?

Accepted Answer

You can take vacation for up to 4 weeks per year, but you won't receive unemployment benefits for vacation days. You must apply to NAV for approval BEFORE you travel, and you must still submit the employment status form.

Question 5

What's the difference between sick pay and AAP?

Accepted Answer

Sick pay is for when you're temporarily ill (up to 1 year). AAP (work assessment allowance) is for those who are still sick after sick pay ends and need help returning to work or clarifying their work capacity.

Question 6

When does the tax return arrive?

Accepted Answer

The tax return usually becomes available in March. You'll receive a notification by SMS or email. The deadline to check and submit changes is April 30th.

Question 7

What do I do if there's an error in my tax return?

Accepted Answer

Log in to skatteetaten.no, open the tax return and click "Change" next to the item you want to correct. You can make changes as many times as you want before the deadline. After the deadline, you can submit an amendment.

Question 8

When do I receive my tax settlement?

Accepted Answer

Most people receive their tax settlement in June. Some have to wait until autumn. You'll be notified when it's ready. Refunds are automatically paid to your account.

Question 9

What's the difference between tax card and tax return?

Accepted Answer

The tax card determines how much tax is deducted from your salary THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The tax return is the settlement for what has ALREADY BEEN PAID - it shows whether you paid too much or too little.

Question 10

What deductions do people most often forget?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly forgotten deductions are: Travel expenses to work (if over 37 km), interest expenses on loans, union dues, donations to charitable organizations, and parent deductions for kindergarten/after-school care.

Question 11

How do I change my GP?

Accepted Answer

Log in to helsenorge.no, go to "GP" and select "Change GP". You can search by name or location. You can change up to 2 times per year. The change takes effect from the first day of the next month.

Question 12

What do I do if my GP has a full list?

Accepted Answer

You can put yourself on a waiting list, choose another doctor, or contact your municipality. Everyone has the right to a GP, and the municipality must help you if there are no available spots.

Question 13

Can the doctor refuse to renew my prescription?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the doctor believes a new assessment is necessary first. Some medications require regular follow-up. Then you must book an appointment to get the prescription renewed.

Question 14

What is the exemption card limit and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

When you've paid enough in co-payments (doctor visits, medicine, etc.), you automatically receive an exemption card. Then you're exempt from co-payments for the rest of the year. See helfo.no for the current exemption card limit.

Question 15

Can I read my medical records from the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most hospitals send records to Helsenorge. Some documentation may be delayed or blocked by the doctor. You can request access directly from the hospital if you can't find it.

Question 16

I don't have BankID - what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Contact your bank to get BankID. You can also use MinID for some services. Without BankID/MinID, you can show up in person at a NAV office or use a power of attorney through relatives.

Question 17

Why isn't my BankID working?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons: The app needs to be updated, you've entered the wrong code 3 times (locked), or the bank has blocked your BankID. Try updating the app or contact your bank.

Question 18

Can someone else log in for me?

Accepted Answer

You should NEVER share your BankID code with others. If you need help, relatives can get power of attorney. Contact the relevant agency (NAV, Tax Office) to arrange power of attorney.

Question 19

When can I withdraw retirement pension?

Accepted Answer

You can withdraw retirement pension from age 62, but the earlier you start, the lower your monthly payment. If you wait until 67 or later, you'll receive more per month. You can check your pension at nav.no/pensjon.

Question 20

Can I work while receiving pension?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can work as much as you want without the pension being reduced. Since 2011, the rules were changed so that work and pension can be combined freely. You still pay tax on employment income.

Question 21

What is AFP (contractual early retirement pension)?

Accepted Answer

AFP is a supplementary pension for those who work in the private sector with a collective agreement or in the public sector. You must apply for AFP before you turn 62. AFP provides a lifelong supplement to retirement pension.

Question 22

Do I get pension if I've worked little?

Accepted Answer

Everyone living in Norway receives a guaranteed pension (minimum pension) from age 67, even if you've worked little or nothing. The amount depends on how long you've lived in Norway (requires at least 5 years). Full guaranteed pension requires 40 years of residence.

Question 23

How do I apply for retirement pension?

Accepted Answer

Log in to nav.no/pensjon with BankID. Select "Apply for pension" and follow the steps. You should apply 3-4 months before you want to start withdrawing. NAV also helps by phone at 55 55 33 34.

Question 24

What happens to my pension if my spouse dies?

Accepted Answer

You may be entitled to adjustment allowance (omstillingsstønad) if you have lost a spouse or cohabitant. Contact NAV as soon as possible. See nav.no/omstillingsstonad for conditions.

Question 25

How do I know if an SMS from NAV/the bank is real?

Accepted Answer

Real SMS from NAV/bank NEVER ask for passwords, BankID or account numbers. They don't contain links to log in. Unsure? Don't click the link - log in directly at nav.no or the bank's website instead.

Question 26

Someone called and said they were from Microsoft - is it a scam?

Accepted Answer

YES, this is almost always a scam! Microsoft NEVER calls unsolicited. If you gave access to your PC: Turn off the PC, contact the bank, and get help checking the PC for malware. Call the police at 02800.

Question 27

I think I've been scammed - what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Act FAST: 1) Contact your bank immediately to block card/account. 2) Change passwords on email and important services. 3) Report to police online or call 02800. 4) Contact NorSIS for advice at 40 00 58 99.

Question 28

My grandchild calls and urgently needs money - what do I do?

Accepted Answer

STOP! This could be "grandparent scam". Scammers pretend to be family in distress. ALWAYS verify by calling back on the number you ALREADY have. Ask about something only you know. Real family understands you need to check.

Question 29

Is it safe to shop online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you follow some rules: Look for the padlock in the address bar. Use known stores. Pay by card or Vipps (not bank transfer). Does the price seem too good? Then it's often a scam. Check reviews on Trustpilot.

Question 30

What is a secure password?

Accepted Answer

A good password is LONG (at least 12 characters) and unique for each service. Use a sentence: "MyCatIsNamedFluffy3!" is better than "C@t123". Never write passwords in email or SMS. Consider a password book (on paper) or password manager.

Question 31

How do I update my phone?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update. Android: Settings → System → Software Update. Connect to Wi-Fi and charger before updating. Updates provide better security!

Question 32

I've forgotten my password - what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Most websites have a "Forgot password" link on the login page. Click there and follow the instructions - you'll usually receive an email with a link to create a new password. For BankID: Contact your bank.

Question 33

What's the difference between Wi-Fi and mobile data?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi is wireless internet from a router (at home, café, library) - often free and faster. Mobile data uses your phone subscription and costs money. Use Wi-Fi at home to save mobile data.

Question 34

How do I take a screenshot on my phone?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Press side button + volume up at the same time. Android: Press power button + volume down at the same time. The image is saved in your photo gallery. Useful for showing error messages to someone who can help!

Question 35

Where can I get help with computers and technology?

Accepted Answer

Your library often has free computer help. Seniornett Norway (seniornett.no) has courses and phone support. The volunteer center can also help. Many municipalities also have digital help services for the elderly.

Question 36

What is an app and how do I download apps?

Accepted Answer

An app is a program on your phone (e.g., BankID, Vipps). To download: Open App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), search for the app and tap "Get" or "Install". Some apps require you to create an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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