Family Benefits in Denmark | exploringdenmark

Family Benefits in Denmark

Denmark’s social system offers generous child and family benefits—whether you’re newly arrived or building a life with children here. Get a simple overview of the key benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

Overview: Family Benefits at a Glance

Families with children living in Denmark can access various benefits, including the famous “børne- og ungeydelse” (child benefit), parental leave payments, and financial support for single parents. Your right to benefits usually depends on residence, work, and sometimes length of stay.

  • Child benefit: Paid quarterly to parents of children under 18.
  • Parental leave pay: Support during maternity, paternity, or parental leave.
  • Other benefits: Extra support for single parents, disabled children, and families with special needs.

See main types below, who can receive them, and how to apply.

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Did you know? Danish child benefit is paid regardless of parents’ income—but you must meet residence and tax rules to qualify.

Main Family Benefits

👶 Child Benefit (Børne- og ungeydelse) Paid automatically every quarter for each child under 18, as long as at least one parent pays tax and lives in Denmark. Amount decreases as children get older.
Official info
🍼 Parental Leave Pay (Barselsdagpenge) Maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay for new parents. Must meet employment and residence conditions. Application is required.
See how it works
👩‍👦 Single Parent Benefit (Ekstra børnetilskud) Extra payment for single parents, paid monthly in addition to the regular child benefit. Requires application and proof of single status.
Read more
🧑‍🦽 Special Allowances Extra support for families with children who have disabilities or special needs. Requires medical documentation.
More info
💶 Family Supplement (Familietilskud) For low-income families or those with several children. Varies based on income and family status. Application required.
🏫 Free & Subsidized Childcare Municipalities offer reduced rates for day care and after-school clubs depending on family income.
About childcare

Who’s Eligible?

🇩🇰 Residents of Denmark You must legally reside and usually pay tax in Denmark (CPR number required).
💼 Work or Social Ties At least one parent must have a certain period of work or residence in Denmark or another EU/EEA country (typically 6–7 years in the last 10).
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children under 18 Benefits only for children living in Denmark and registered at your address.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

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Register your child: Make sure your child has a CPR number and is registered at your address in Denmark.
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Apply online: Apply for family or special benefits via borger.dk or your local municipality.
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Provide documentation: Upload proof of work, residence, income, or medical status if required.
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Wait for decision: You’ll receive a letter in your e-Boks when the decision is made, usually within a few weeks.

What You’ll Need

🛂 CPR Number For both child and parent(s), showing official residence in Denmark.
💼 Proof of Work/Residence Payslips, employment contract, or proof of stay to meet qualifying period.
👶 Birth Certificate Sometimes required for new arrivals or special situations.
📄 Medical or Income Docs For special support or single parent benefits—extra documentation may be needed.
💻 NemID/MitID For digital self-service on borger.dk.
📑 Bank Details Register your Danish account for benefit payments.

Useful Resources & External Links

📋 Life in Denmark (Official) All about family benefits
💻 Apply via borger.dk Official application portal
📞 Municipality Contact Find your local kommune
🏫 Schools & Childcare How to secure a place for your child in Denmark.
🏠 Finding Housing Housing for families and newcomers.
💡 Newcomer Checklist Key steps when moving to Denmark.
📝 CPR Registration How to register your address and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

💶 How much is the child benefit in Denmark? For 2025, about DKK 4,700–4,900 per quarter for ages 0–2; less as the child gets older. The amount is adjusted yearly. Check the latest rates at borger.dk.
⌛ When do I start receiving the child benefit? Usually within 2–3 months after registering your child in Denmark, provided you meet the work/residence requirements.
💼 Can foreigners get family benefits? Yes—if you legally reside and pay tax in Denmark, and meet work/residence requirements. Some waiting periods apply for new arrivals.
🇩🇰 Do I get the benefit if my child lives abroad? No—the child must live and be registered at your address in Denmark. Limited exceptions exist for cross-border workers.
🧑‍🍼 Can both parents receive the benefit? No—it’s paid to one parent, typically the mother or primary caregiver. Parents can request a change.
📝 How do I appeal a decision? Contact your local municipality and follow the appeal instructions in your e-Boks letter.