Family Benefits in Denmark (2025) | exploringdenmark
Last updated:

Family Benefits in Denmark

Denmark offers generous child and family benefits. This guide explains the main types, who’s eligible, how to apply, the documents you’ll need, and answers to common questions.

Good to know: Child benefit is paid quarterly for children under 18. Eligibility typically depends on residence, tax, and time lived/worked in Denmark.

Overview: Family benefits at a glance

👶 Child benefit

Quarterly payment for each child under 18; the rate decreases with age. Paid to one parent (usually the primary caregiver).

🍼 Parental leave pay

Maternity, paternity, and parental leave payments if you meet employment and residence rules.

🧩 Extra support

Top-ups for single parents and families with children who have disabilities or special needs (documentation required).

Main family benefits

👶 Child Benefit (Børne- og ungeydelse)

Paid automatically each quarter for children registered in Denmark. One parent receives it; amount scales down with age.

Official info

🍼 Parental Leave Pay (Barselsdagpenge)

Income replacement during maternity, paternity, or parental leave. Apply online; employer may supplement via agreements.

How it works

👩‍👦 Single Parent Benefit

Extra monthly payment for single parents, in addition to child benefit. Requires application and proof of status.

Read more

🧑‍🦽 Special allowances

Support for families with disabled children or special needs. Medical documentation is needed.

💶 Family supplement

Income-dependent top-ups for low-income families or larger households. Application required.

🏫 Subsidised childcare

Municipal discounts for daycare and after-school care, depending on income and local rules.

About childcare

Who’s eligible?

🇩🇰 Legal residence

You (and your child) must be legally resident in Denmark and have CPR numbers.

💼 Work/residence history

A qualifying period of work/residence in Denmark or the EU/EEA often applies (e.g., several years within the last 10).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children in Denmark

Children must live in Denmark and be registered at your address (limited cross-border exceptions).

How to apply (step-by-step)

Register your child: Ensure your child has a CPR and is registered at your address.
Apply online: Use borger.dk or your kommune’s site for the relevant benefit.
Upload documents: Provide work/residence proofs, income or medical documentation if required.
Watch e-Boks: Decisions arrive in your e-Boks; typical processing is a few weeks.

What you’ll need

🛂 CPR numbers

For the child and parent(s) showing residence in Denmark.

💼 Work/residence proofs

Payslips, employment contract, residence documentation.

👶 Birth certificate

Often needed for new arrivals or special cases.

📄 Medical/income docs

For special allowances or single-parent benefits.

💻 MitID/NemID

For secure login to digital self-service on borger.dk.

🏦 Bank details

Danish account to receive payments.

Useful resources & links

Frequently asked questions

💶 How much is the child benefit?

For 2025, roughly DKK 4,700–4,900 per quarter (ages 0–2) with lower amounts for older children. Rates adjust yearly—check borger.dk for current figures.

⌛ When will payments start?

Typically 2–3 months after your child is registered and eligibility is confirmed.

🌍 Can foreigners receive benefits?

Yes, if you legally reside and usually pay tax in Denmark and meet work/residence periods. Newcomers may face waiting periods.

🏡 What if my child lives abroad?

Benefits generally require the child to live in Denmark and be registered at your address (limited cross-border exceptions).

👨‍👩‍👧 Can both parents be paid?

No—payment goes to one parent (often the primary caregiver). You can request a change.

📝 How do I appeal?

Follow the instructions in your e-Boks decision letter and contact your kommune if you need help.