Reconsideration or Administrative Court? Appeal the Swedish Social Insurance Agency

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Last reviewed September 15, 2026.

Short answer: Almost always start with reconsideration at Försäkringskassan within the deadline stated in the decision. If the decision remains unchanged, you can appeal to the Administrative Court. The process is free of charge. A report to the Parliamentary Ombudsman does not replace reconsideration or appeal. If the rejection concerns sickness compensation and work, start with which path applies in 2026.

Reconsideration at Försäkringskassan – the first step

Many search for "reconsideration Försäkringskassan" and "appeal Försäkringskassan's decision" as if they were the same thing. They are two steps:

1. Reconsideration – Försäkringskassan reviews its own decision again, often with new or clarified documentation.
2. Appeal – after the reconsideration decision, you can proceed to the Administrative Court.

Always check the deadline in the decision. If you miss it, the court may dismiss the case even if the substantive issue is strong. Simultaneously request complete documents: justification, medical opinions used, and internal notes. See request public documents.

When should you appeal or request reconsideration?

• Rejection or reduction of sickness benefit, sickness compensation, activity compensation, assistance compensation, or other benefit you believe is incorrect. For sickness compensation and work: which rule applies in 2026.
• Decisions based on incorrect or incomplete medical documentation.
• Lack of justification – you do not understand which assessments led to the denial.
• The processing has been delayed or the documentation does not match what was said (supplement with recording and possibly a report to the Parliamentary Ombudsman in parallel).

Prepare the documentation

• Collect current medical certificates, journal notes, employer certificates, and rehabilitation plans.
• Document how the decision affects daily life – concrete examples (time, function, work ability).
• Compare FK's justification with your certificates point by point.
• Contact a representative or legal support with experience in social insurance if the case is heavy.

Process map: reconsideration → Administrative Court

1. Reconsideration at Försäkringskassan (in writing, within the deadline in the decision).
2. Reconsideration decision – if FK stands firm, you can appeal.
3. Appeal to the Administrative Court (normally sent via Försäkringskassan).
4. Possibly further to the Court of Appeal (often requires leave to appeal).

How to write a reconsideration or appeal

1. Title with decision type, case number, and date.
2. Claim: what you want the decision to be.
3. Grounds: point by point – assertion → documentation → why FK's assessment is wrong.
4. Attachments: list certificates with dates. Attach PDF, not loose screenshots.
5. Request an oral hearing in the Administrative Court if you want to be heard.
6. Send via e-service or registered mail and save the receipt.

Template: claim and grounds

Claim: I claim that the decision by Försäkringskassan on [date], case number [number], be changed so that [desired outcome].

Grounds:

1. [Assertion about work ability/need] – supported by medical certificate [date], appendix 1.
2. [Error in assessment] – FK has not considered [evidence], appendix 2.
3. [Consequence in daily life] – concrete examples of disability.

Attachments: 1) decision, 2) medical certificate, 3) medical records, 4) employer's certificate.

Administrative Court: what happens there?

Once the reconsideration is complete and you have appealed, the administrative court examines whether the decision is correct based on law and investigation. You can supplement with new certificates during the process (observe deadlines). The process is primarily written, but you can request an oral hearing. The court does not charge a fee.

If you lose, further appeal to the Court of Appeal may require leave to appeal – you often need to show that there are grounds for review, not just dissatisfaction.

FAQ

What is the difference between reconsideration and appeal?
Reconsideration is done at Försäkringskassan. An appeal goes to the administrative court after the reconsideration decision.

How much time do I have?
The deadline is stated in the decision. Count calendar days from when you received the decision and send it in on time.

Does it cost to appeal Försäkringskassan?
No, the process in the administrative court is free of charge.

Do I need a representative?
No, but it increases accuracy in more complex medical assessments.

Can I request suspension?
Yes, if the decision has a severe impact, you can ask the court to pause enforcement while the case is reviewed.

Does a complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman help?
The Parliamentary Ombudsman reviews handling, not compensation issues. Use the Ombudsman for delays or incorrect documentation – see Complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman step by step – but do not miss the reconsideration deadline.

Can I record conversations with Försäkringskassan?
Yes, if you are participating. See record meeting with authority.

For those reading under stress

The guide is intended as support when you already have a lot on your mind. You do not need to read everything at once: start with the section that matches where you are today and return when the next step becomes relevant.

Cases with authorities rarely improve if you handle everything alone. Ask for help from a support person, lawyer, or relative if you can – especially before decisions with long-term effects.

Common mistakes that make the case more difficult

• Relying only on verbal promises without short written confirmation or follow-up email.
• Waiting to request documents until the conflict is already locked – then it becomes harder to show what was said.
• Writing so long and emotionally that the authority stops responding to the substantive issue.
• Missing deadlines for reconsideration or appeal because the decision was not read verbatim.

Mini-checklist before you leave the guide

1. Do I have the date, case/reference number, and name of the person handling it (if you know)?
2. Do I know what the next step is: respond, request, remind, appeal, or report?
3. Have I saved emails and attachments in a place where I can find them in a week?

Bonus (updated 2026): Privacy and rights against authorities 2026 – what has changed?