Title: Calls for Abolishing the Function Tax: Government Urged to Support People with Disabilities and Chronic Diseases
Subtitle: Functional rights associations advocate for equality in tax policies
Published: September 25, 2023, 06:00
DEBATE – In a united front, six functional rights associations are urging the government to abolish the function tax, highlighting the unequal treatment of individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases in terms of taxation. The move comes as the government announces tax cuts for wage earners and pensioners, but not for those facing physical and mental impairments. The associations argue that it is time to stop punishing those who cannot work and provide equal tax benefits to all citizens.
The government’s proposal, which aims to make transitioning from benefits to work more profitable, fails to address the financial burden placed on individuals with sickness and activity compensation. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s emphasis on the importance of incentivizing work reflects the government’s lack of understanding of the daily challenges faced by those with extensive disabilities.
Living on sickness or activity allowance is not a choice but a necessity for individuals who are unable to work due to their conditions. With a maximum monthly compensation of SEK 12,163 before tax, these individuals find themselves living in poverty, relying on government assistance. The government’s own expert authority, Försäkringskassan, determines individuals’ right to compensation and ability to work, often known for its restrictive assessments.
The recent tax cuts for wage earners and pensioners further highlight the government’s lack of consideration for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The associations argue that the government’s decision not only disregards its expert authority but also demonstrates insufficient knowledge of the hardships faced by this vulnerable group.
The government has previously shown a lack of understanding for those facing functional impairments, as seen in its inquiry into sickness and activity compensation, which failed to offer sustainable solutions for empowering individuals financially. Consequently, many are left financially dependent on their relatives, struggling with low benefits that do not keep up with inflation and do not cover essential expenses.
The associations are calling on Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to rectify this situation and send a message to Social Security Minister Anna Tenje, advocating for strengthened financial support for individuals receiving sickness or activity compensation. The central demand is for the abolition of the so-called funkistax (function tax), which unfairly burdens those who are unable to work.
Nicklas Mårtensson, the chairman of Functional Court Sweden, Åsa Strahlemo, union chairman of DHR – Participation, Power of Action, Freedom of Movement, Johan Klinthammar, association chairman of The National Association for Disabled Children and Young People, Klas Nelfelt, chairman of Förbundet Sveriges dövblinda (Association of Deafblind Sweden), Åsa Henningsson, Federation Chairman of Sweden’s National Federation of the Deaf, and Mattias Lundekvam, confederation chairman of HRF, the national confederation of the hearing impaired, are urging the government to prioritize equal tax treatment for all citizens.
As the disability delegation meeting approaches on October 4, these associations hope that their message resonates with the government and that concrete steps are taken to alleviate the financial burden faced by individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases. The government has the power to bring about positive change and ensure a fair and just taxation system that supports all citizens, regardless of their physical or mental conditions.
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