Leisure allowance increases – Children from the age of 3 to receive an allowance
The leisure allowance for children and young people in Hafnarfjörður will increase from 57,000 to 65,000 krónur in the new year. From 1 January, children aged three to four will receive the grant for the first time, as will five-year-olds who have been receiving a half-rate grant since the autumn.
Leisure grant for more children
The leisure allowance for children and young people in Hafnarfjörður will increase from 57,000 to 65,000 krónur in the new year. From 1 January, children aged three to four will receive the grant for the first time, as will five-year-olds who have been receiving a half-rate grant since the autumn. Half a grant amounts to 32,500 króna per year. Another major change is that parents can now have the grant paid out in one lump sum.
„There has been a call from the community to go down this route,“ says Mayor Valdimar Víðisson. He says it is important to start taking part in leisure activities and sports as early as possible and to make it a lifelong habit. „With this step, we make it easier for parents to make the most of the opportunities available at a time that best suits the family.“
The main advantage of the new arrangement over the old one is precisely that now the entire amount is collected and used when requested, unlike before. Previously, a portion of the amount was tied up each month and went to waste in months when parents failed to make use of a fixed monthly grant.
„The change is a great matter of fairness,“ says Valdimar. „We've seen parents miss out on the leisure allowance, but this way it's all used up. The change allows parents to make better use of the allowance, increases the service for families and provides flexibility, because previously the amount was tied to each month but now it can be used all at once – if that suits families better.“
There will be some disruption in the first few days of the new year due to the changes, when the payment arrangement with the sports clubs is changed. Some families have already committed part of the grant to the new year with their sports club by registering through to the spring, and even the autumn of 2026. From 2 January, these families will see the remaining amount in the Abler app, minus the grant that has already been allocated for a course in 2026. Families who have not selected an activity for their child for the new year will see a total amount of 65,000 kr.
The leisure allowance, payable in 2026, will amount to 65,000 krónur for children aged six and over, and 32,500 for children aged five and under.