Pensioner 'Living with His Son' Scammed Taxpayers Out of Half a Million

A person registered in the troubled area of Märsta, in northern Greater Stockholm, has according to the Swedish Pensions Agency received housing supplement payments for several years without being entitled to the benefit, as he did not pay rent. The authority is now demanding a total repayment of 492,340 kronor.

The repayment claim concerns payments made between January 2018 and October 2025. After an investigation, the Pensions Agency has concluded that the person was not entitled to a housing supplement during the entire period. The supplement is tax-free for those with a low pension and can amount to up to 7,290 kronor per month.

The case came to light after the Swedish Enforcement Authority provided information that raised suspicions of incorrect payments. According to the information, the person rented a condominium from a company to which he himself was connected.

When the Pensions Agency subsequently checked bank accounts, they found no payments that could substantiate the rent upon which the housing supplement was based, reports Hem & Hyra.

Allowance for Living as a Lodger with His Son

To be granted a housing supplement, the applicant must have an actual and proven housing cost. The person had submitted a rental contract for a sublet, but according to the housing cooperative association in question, there was no approved permit for the subletting.

The person stated in turn that no such permit was needed because he was living as a lodger with his son.

After its investigation, the Pensions Agency judged that no valid rental arrangement could be substantiated. The agency also refers to the lack of supporting documents showing that any rent was actually paid.

In light of the investigation, the Pensions Agency considers that the housing supplement was incorrectly paid out for almost eight years. The person has therefore been ordered to repay 492,340 kronor.

According to the authority, the pensioner has not appealed the decision.