Child benefit when you work in Denmark
Should your child benefit be paid by Denmark or Sweden? The answer depends on where you and the other parent work or receive income. Find out which rules apply to your family.
Which country pays if your family lives in Sweden?
If you and the other parent are connected to different EU/EEA countries or Switzerland through work, income or residence, your family benefits are coordinated between the countries. This determines which country is responsible for paying child benefit first and helps ensure that you do not receive double benefits or miss out on benefits you are entitled to.
As a general rule, work takes priority over residence when determining which country pays.
If your family lives in Sweden and one parent receives income from work in Denmark while the other receives income in Sweden, Sweden normally pays child benefit first. Income can include salary, parental benefits or unemployment benefits.
If both parents work in Denmark, Denmark normally pays child benefit.
If one parent works in Denmark and the other has no income, child benefit is normally paid by Denmark only. Different rules may apply if you are not an EU/EEA citizen.
In some cases, the other country may pay a supplementary amount if its benefit is higher. You should inform the relevant authority if your situation changes.
Which country pays if your family lives in Denmark?
If your family lives in Denmark, Denmark normally pays child benefit.
If one parent receives income from work in Sweden and the other receives income in Denmark, Denmark normally pays child benefit. Income can include salary, parental benefits or unemployment benefits.
If both parents receive income from work in Sweden, Sweden normally pays child benefit. The same applies if one parent receives income from work in Sweden and the other has no income.
In some cases, the other country may pay a supplementary amount if its benefit is higher.
Child benefit in Denmark
The Danish child benefit, børne- og ungeydelse, is administered and paid by the Danish authority, Udbetaling Danmark.
The benefit is paid quarterly, and the amount depends on the age of your child. The amount may also be reduced if you have a high income.
You can get help with your application and questions about child benefit at the citizen service centre, Borgerservice, in the municipality where you work.
Apply for child and youth benefit at lifeindenmark.dk
Extra benefits for single parents and students
If you are a single parent and meet certain requirements, you may be entitled to an additional Danish benefit, børnetilskud, known as child allowance in English.
If you are a student, you may also be entitled to child allowance. The amount depends on your income and the number of children you have.
Read about child allowance at lifeindenmark.dk
More information
If you need help understanding which country should pay child benefit or how the rules apply to your family, contact Øresunddirekt, Försäkringskassan or Udbetaling Danmark.
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You are always welcome to visit our Information Center in Malmö to get help with your questions regarding working, moving or studying in Denmark.
