Social services

If you are in adifficult situation, have a temporary economic crisis or need someone to talk to, you can contact the social service in your urban district (bydel).

To find which social office you belong to, click here and then write your address.

The social offices offer support and guidance in personal and family matters. If you have economic problems, the social office can support you for a period of time so that you are able to cover necessary expenses. This is called "sosialhjelp".

Professional secrecy agreement
Everyone employed in the social services must observe professional secrecy, which means that what they get to know about your private life will remain between you. However, the social office may give the name and address of foreign citizens to the Norwegian immigrant authorities, as stated in the Immigration Act (Utlendingsloven)

Access to information
If you are applying for financial support, the social services can ask for information about you from other public service offices, such as the employment office or the national insurance office (trygdekontoret).

Appeal
If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the social service, you have the right to appeal to the County governor (Fylkesmannen).

Immediate help in a crisis
If the social office is closed and you are in need of immediate help, contact Sosial vakttjeneste. This is a 24 hour service where you can get help in a crisis. During working hours, however, the social service in your urban district is the place to contact.

Sosial vakttjeneste
Storgata 40
0182 Oslo
telephone 23 48 70 90

Updated 04/11/2005