In all three countries, non-employed people with LLSI had considerably higher poverty risk than employed people, with or without LLSI, in both time periods. Rates of poverty risk in UK for non-employed people with LLSI were much higher than in Sweden and Denmark in both years, but showed no significant change between 2005 and 2010 (38.6% CI = 35.641.2 in 2005; 35.1% CI = 31.6-38.7 in 2010). In contrast, the previously low rates of poverty risks in corresponding groups in Sweden in 2005 (13.8% CI = 9.7-17.8) had nearly doubled by 2010 (26.5% CI = 19.9-33.1). There was a non-significant increase in the previously low rates of poverty risks in Denmark (11.0% CI = 6.3-15.7) to 16.4% CI = 11.1-21.8). The increase of poverty risk in Sweden was more pronounced among men than women. Conclusions The increasing poverty risks among the non-employed people with LLSI in Sweden over time are of concern from a health equity perspective. The role of recent Swedish social policy changes should be further investigated. Key messages Poverty risks among non-employed people with LLSI in Sweden show a disturbing rising trend, not seen in Denmark or United Kingdom. Further investigation is warranted of the impact of recent Swedish policy changes among vulnerable groups.