VAB Calculator – Child Care Leave
Calculate preliminary benefits for taking care of a sick child (VAB) from Försäkringskassan based on your monthly salary, number of VAB days, and tax rate.
FAQ
What is VAB?
VAB stands for 'vård av barn' (care of child) and is a temporary parental benefit you can receive when you need to stay home from work to care for a sick child under 12 years old. The benefit is paid by Försäkringskassan and is based on your sickness benefit qualifying income (SGI).
How much VAB benefit will I receive?
VAB benefit is 80% of your sickness benefit qualifying income (SGI) divided by 21 working days per month. If you take half VAB (50%), you receive half the daily benefit. This calculator helps you calculate both gross and net amounts after tax.
How many VAB days am I entitled to per year?
You are entitled to 120 VAB days per year per child up to 12 years of age. These days are shared between parents, so the total number per child is 120 days. In cases of serious illness or disability, you may be entitled to extended VAB.
Can I take half VAB?
Yes, you can take VAB part-time if your child is sick but doesn't need care all day, or if you share care responsibilities. You can take 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% of a full day. The benefit is reduced proportionally.
Do I need a doctor's certificate for VAB?
Normally, you don't need a doctor's certificate for VAB. However, Försäkringskassan may request one in certain cases, especially if you're absent many days or if there are special circumstances. Your employer may also require a medical certificate.
Can I receive VAB if I'm on parental leave or unemployed?
No, you cannot receive VAB while receiving parental benefit or unemployment benefit. VAB is intended for parents who are working and need to be away from their job to care for their child.
What if both parents need to stay home with the child?
Normally, only one parent can receive VAB per day. Exceptions may be made in special cases, for example if the child requires emergency care or is seriously ill. Contact Försäkringskassan to discuss your specific situation.
How do I apply for VAB?
You apply for VAB through Försäkringskassan, either through their website, app, or by phone. Many employers also have systems where you register your VAB absence, but it's your responsibility to apply through Försäkringskassan.
Is VAB benefit taxed?
Yes, VAB benefit is taxable income. Försäkringskassan deducts preliminary tax before payment. This calculator shows both gross and net amounts so you can see what you receive after tax.
Can I maximize my VAB benefit?
Your VAB benefit is based on your SGI, which in turn is based on your income. To maximize the benefit, you need to have a high and stable income. Note that the SGI cap (10 price base amounts) limits the maximum benefit even for high earners.
How VAB Benefits Work
VAB (care of child) is a temporary parental benefit paid when you need to stay home from work to take care of a sick child. The benefit is 80% of your sickness benefit qualifying income (SGI) divided by 21 working days per month. You can take full, three-quarters, half, or quarter VAB depending on how much time you need to stay home. The calculator helps you calculate both gross and net benefits after preliminary tax.
Number of Days and Entitlement to VAB
Each parent is entitled to 120 VAB days per year per child up to 12 years of age. These days are shared between parents, so the total number per child is 120 days regardless of how many parents there are. In special circumstances, such as serious illness or disability, you may be entitled to extended VAB. You normally don't need a doctor's certificate, but Försäkringskassan may request one in certain cases.
How to Use the VAB Calculator
Enter your gross monthly salary (before tax), choose what portion of VAB you plan to take (100% = full day, 50% = half day), enter the number of days you expect to need to stay home, and adjust the tax rate if needed. The calculator then shows your daily benefit as well as total benefit for the entire period, both gross and net. This helps you plan financially when you need to stay home with a sick child.
VAB: Calculate Benefits and Understand Your Rights
Care of sick child (VAB - vård av barn) is something most parents encounter – your child gets sick, you need to stay home from work, and Försäkringskassan pays benefits. But how much do you actually receive? And how do you best plan for a reasonable economy when your child is at home?
With our VAB calculator you can:
- calculate daily and total benefits before and after tax
- see how different withdrawal levels (full day, half day, etc.) affect your benefits
- plan financially for periods when you need to stay home with a sick child
- understand how your salary and tax rate affect VAB benefits
Start with Correct Information
For a reasonable calculation you need to know:
- Gross monthly salary: Your salary before tax, which forms the basis for SGI
- VAB portion per day: 100% = full day, 50% = half day, 25% = quarter day
- Number of VAB days: How many days you plan to be home
- Tax rate: Expected tax rate for preliminary tax (often around 30%)
How VAB Benefits Work
VAB benefits are calculated as:
- 80% of your monthly salary divided by 21 working days
- Adjusted by withdrawal level (100% for full day, 50% for half day)
- Tax is deducted according to your preliminary tax rate
Example: With a monthly salary of 35,000 SEK and 100% withdrawal, you receive approximately 1,333 SEK per day before tax (35,000 × 0.8 / 21).
Important Limitations and Rules
Number of days: You are entitled to 120 VAB days per year per child up to 12 years of age. These days are shared between parents.
Extended VAB: In cases of serious illness or disability, you may be entitled to additional days.
Medical certificate: Normally no medical certificate is required, but Försäkringskassan may request one if needed.
One parent per day: Only one parent can receive VAB per day (with exceptions for special cases).
Flexible Withdrawal and Planning
You can take VAB part-time which provides different benefits:
- 100% (full day): Full benefits but fewer calendar days
- 50% (half day): Half benefits but twice as many calendar days
- 25% (quarter day): Quarter benefits but four times as many calendar days
This makes it possible to combine VAB with part-time work or spread out the days over a longer period.
Interpreting the Results
The calculator shows:
- Daily benefit (gross and net): What you receive per day before and after tax
- Total benefit (gross and net): Total for all days you specified
- Net amount: After preliminary tax according to your specified tax rate
Note that these are preliminary amounts. Final tax is calculated at year-end based on your total income.
Common Questions and Mistakes
"Do I get VAB if I'm on parental leave?" No, VAB cannot be combined with parental benefit or unemployment benefit.
"Can I maximize my VAB benefit?" Your benefit is based on your SGI (salary). Higher salary gives higher benefit, but note that there is an SGI cap (10 price base amounts).
"Do both parents have to share VAB days equally?" No, you decide yourselves how to distribute the 120 days between you.
"What happens if the child gets sick during vacation?" You cannot receive VAB during your vacation days. VAB is intended for working days.
Tips for Planning VAB
- Calculate different scenarios (full day vs half day)
- Consider that the tax rate can significantly affect your final net amount
- Keep track of how many VAB days you have left during the year
- Communicate with your employer about how to handle VAB reporting
- Always apply through Försäkringskassan even if your employer has their own systems
Important to Know
This calculator provides a preliminary estimate based on simplified calculation. Actual benefits from Försäkringskassan may vary depending on your actual SGI assessment and other factors. Always verify terms and current information with Försäkringskassan.
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