The leisure grant benefits more children and families.

Leisure grant for more children

The Hafnarfjörður Leisure Allowance underwent significant changes at the start of the year. The allowance was increased, more age groups became eligible for it, and families were given greater flexibility in how they use it.

With registrations for winter sports and leisure activities now underway, parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their children's rights.

• The leisure allowance for children aged 6–18 increased from 57,000 krónur to 65,000 krónur per year.
• Three and four-year-olds became eligible for a grant for the first time.
• All children aged 3–5 now receive half a grant, or 32,500 krónur per year.

The City of Hafnarfjörður provides grants for the sports and leisure activities of children from the age of three until the year they turn 18. The aim is to make it easier for all children and young people to take part in organised leisure activities, regardless of their family's financial situation.

Key changes that came into effect at the turn of the year:

• The grant is no longer tied to a fixed monthly amount.
• The grant can be used in one go or spread out, according to what suits each family.
• The grant can be allocated to more than one sport or leisure activity during the year.
• The entire grant amount is available from the start of the year, instead of accumulating monthly.

The changes allow families to use the grant when costs arise, for example, when registering for winter activities. Under the new arrangement, the monthly credit is not wasted if the child is not enrolled in an activity every month of the year.

• Please note: Complexity can arise in this first year of the changes, when the payment arrangements with the sports clubs are changed. Some families have already committed part of the 2025 grant to their sports club for the new year, with registrations running through to the spring and even autumn of 2026. These families will see the remaining amount in the Abler app, minus the grant that has already been allocated for courses in 2026. Others who have not used the grant see the full amount of 65,000 krónur.

A wide range of leisure activities in Hafnarfjörður

A wide range of sports and leisure activities is available for children of all ages here in Hafnarfjörður. The leisure grant can be used for, among other things, playing sports, music lessons and other organised leisure activities that meet the eligibility criteria.

Parents and children can find out about the wide range of leisure activities at the first Hafnarfjörður Leisure Fair, which will be held in the Sports Hall on Strandgata on Saturday, 29th August, between 10 am and 2 pm. It will give families the opportunity to meet representatives from numerous clubs, try out different activities and find an activity that suits each child.

• Parents and guardians can allocate the leisure allowance through Abler when registering their child.

If a club does not appear in Abler, in certain cases it is possible to apply for a refund on the City of Hafnarfjörður's My Pages.