The object of this study was in a population-based material to investigate the prevalence of patients diagnosed with childhood cancer, and compared to the general population to assess working ability, yearly income and need for health insurance benefits in patients surviving at least five years after treatment for childhood CNS tumours or hematological malignancies. During the period January 1, 1970 to December 31, 2002 the prevalence in the Norwegian population of patients diagnosed with any childhood cancer increased from 12.2 (473/3 888 305) to 65.1 (2944/4 524 066) per 100 000 population. The proportion of survivors in need of any health insurance benefit was for CNS tumours 47.1% and for hematological malignancies 21.0%. The proportion in the age group 16-67 receiving disability pension for CNS tumours was 94/454 (20.7%) compared to 21/575 (3.7%) for patients treated for hematological malignancies (p < 0.001). Of patients given radiotherapy 25/70 (35.7%) received disability pension, compared to 90/959 (9.4%) in unirradiated patients, p < 0.001. Yearly income and working ability was particularly low for CNS tumour survivors. This study illustrates loss of working capability associated with pediatric cancer and treatment and long-term requirement of health insurance benefits.