The situation is somewhat similar in Sweden, especially regarding the 'bijstand.' In our case, you'd have to re-apply each month and they would audit your spend

The situation is somewhat similar in Sweden, especially regarding the 'bijstand.' In our case, you'd have to re-apply each month and they would audit your spending for the previous 3 months (so that, for example, you didn't spend it all on alcohol or an Xbox.) It's also not a fixed sum but based on what they consider necessary, but beyond what I know about U.S. (specifically, California) welfare. This is not the same as unemployment benefits, but, as you say is a last resort. Unemployment benefits here are given on the condition that you show that you are currently applying to jobs. We used to get a few of these applications at our old office. People would come who weren't remotely relevant to the job, but did it just to keep getting the payments, so that's something to think consider when you mention "with strong incentive for people to work." Thanks for explaining the overall situation. I wish I knew more about Sweden's but maybe someone else can post Sweden's corresponding information with details.