Danish unemployment insurance funds: an introduction

How does a Danish unemployment insurance fund work?

Danish unemployment insurance funds, a-kasser, provide insurance against unemployment and administer Danish rules on unemployment benefits. Many a-kasser are linked to one or more trade unions.

Membership of an a-kasse is voluntary. If you are not a member, you are generally not entitled to unemployment benefits, dagpenge, through the unemployment insurance system if you become unemployed.

A-kasser are financed partly through membership fees and partly through public funding. Membership fees vary between a-kasser but are generally around DKK 500 per month.

The membership fee is tax-deductible in Denmark.

What can an a-kasse help you with?

An a-kasse can provide a range of services, including:

• paying dagpenge
  
  
• paying holiday unemployment benefits, feriedagpenge, if you receive dagpenge
  
  
• providing guidance and advice if you become unemployed
  
  
• helping you contact your local job centre, Jobcenter
  
  
• helping you find a new job
  
  
• offering courses and personal coaching

Some a-kasser also administer the voluntary early retirement scheme, efterløn.

Which Danish a-kasse should you choose?

A-kasser may cover different professions and industries. You can use the overview from Danske A-kasser to find a Danish a-kasse and compare which one corresponds to your Swedish unemployment insurance fund.

Find an overview of Danish a-kasser at Danske A-kasser (in Danish)

Compare Swedish and Danish a-kasser at Danske A-kasser (in Danish)

If you are a cross-border commuter and contact an a-kasse in Denmark or Sweden, ask to speak to their EU caseworker, EU-sagsbehandler.