Reykjanesbær nearly halves number receiving financial assistance

The number of people receiving financial assistance from the municipality of Reykjanesbær has fallen sharply, mbl.is reports. The total dropped from 119 in January to 62 in August, a decrease of nearly 48 per cent in eight months.

In December 2025, 147 people received financial assistance from the municipality. The number of recipients with foreign citizenship fell from 80 to 45 over the same period.

Vilhjálmur Árnason, mayor of Reykjanesbær, said the municipality was working systematically to help recipients enter the labour market.

He attributed the decline to close cooperation between the municipality and the Directorate of Labour, which offers various measures to support people seeking employment.

“A high proportion of those receiving financial assistance in Reykjanesbær are foreign citizens, and we are examining what measures can further reduce this group’s need for financial assistance,” Árnason said.

He said the key point was that the number of people receiving assistance was falling rapidly regardless of citizenship.

“This result is not a coincidence, but the outcome of extensive and focused work by staff in the welfare department,” Árnason said. “Our objective is clear: financial assistance should be a temporary safety net, not permanent support.”

He added that the municipality was placing particular emphasis on helping people participate in activities and find work.