The Danish Welfare & Benefit System
How Denmark’s social model works: healthcare, education, family support, unemployment and pensions—what’s covered, who’s eligible, and where to apply.
Overview
🏥 Universal healthcare
Medical care for residents is tax‑funded; choose a GP and use referrals for specialists.
🎓 Free education
Primary to university tuition is free for most residents; students may receive SU grants.
💸 Income security
Sick pay, unemployment (via A‑kasse), pensions and disability support create a safety net.
What is covered?
👶 Family & children
Child allowance, subsidised childcare and paid parental leave support families.
🏠 Housing support
Rent subsidy (boligstøtte) for eligible residents and students. Learn more
👵 Pension & old age
State pension and supplements depend on years of residence/work in Denmark.
Who’s eligible?
🪪 Legal residence
You’ll need a valid residence permit and CPR to access most services.
📅 Minimum periods
Some benefits require time living/working in DK (e.g., unemployment or pension).
📑 Contributions
Unemployment benefits depend on A‑kasse membership and sufficient work hours.
Main benefits at a glance
🧑⚕️ Healthcare
GP visits, hospitals and specialists (with referral). Some dental/meds have co‑pays.
📚 Education & SU
Students may qualify for SU grants. Details: su.dk
💼 Sickness & disability
Sick pay via employer/municipality and support if long‑term health limits work.
Unemployment insurance (A‑kasse)
💼 Join an A‑kasse
To receive dagpenge, you must join an A‑kasse and pay monthly fees.
📅 Eligibility periods
Typical rules include 1 year of membership and a minimum number of work hours.
🧾 Social assistance
Kontanthjælp is basic support if you’re not eligible for A‑kasse; rules depend on residency. More
Family & parental benefits
👶 Child allowance
Paid quarterly until age 18 for eligible residents. Apply/check via Borger.dk
🍼 Parental leave
Generous paid leave shared between parents; eligibility depends on work/residence.
🏫 Childcare
Municipal nurseries and after‑school care are subsidised; fees depend on income.
Useful resources
🌐 Life in Denmark
🧾 A‑kasse overview
🏠 Boligstøtte
Related on exploringdenmark
🏥 Danish healthcare
👨👩👧👦 Parental leave
🎓 Education in Denmark
🏠 Housing & boligstøtte
Frequently asked questions
🧾 Can newcomers access benefits?
Yes—if you have legal residence and CPR. Some benefits require a waiting period or work history.
👶 How do I get child allowance?
Usually automatic with CPR; confirm or apply through Borger.dk.
💼 What is an A‑kasse?
A voluntary unemployment fund. Membership gives access to dagpenge if you lose your job.
👵 Do internationals get a pension?
Pension depends on years of residence/work; short stays may only qualify for partial amounts.
🏠 What is boligstøtte?
Rent support for eligible households. Apply online at Borger.dk.
🗣️ Where to get help in English?
See lifeindenmark.borger.dk or visit your local citizen service centre.
Need help navigating benefits?
Tell us your situation (student, worker, family), residence status and questions—we’ll point you to the right pages and forms.