Two-week rule

The two-week rule — also called the graduate rule — gives new graduates the right to unemployment benefits at a special graduate rate if they join an a-kasse no later than 14 days after completing their education. The rule is an important exception to the normal work requirement of 1,924 hours within the past three years.

To use the rule you must: (1) have completed an education that qualifies for graduate benefits (typically higher education of at least 18 months). (2) Join an a-kasse no later than two weeks after the official end date of your education — not two weeks after you receive your diploma. (3) Be available for the labour market and register as unemployed on jobnet.dk when you are unemployed.

The graduate rate is lower than the full unemployment benefit rate — typically around 70% of the maximum rate (approx. 14,560 DKK/month gross in 2026, depending on your previous income). After the graduate period you move to ordinary unemployment benefits if you are still unemployed and meet other conditions.

Remember the waiting month: when you join, there is generally one month's waiting period before the first payment. Join in good time — ideally before your education ends — so the waiting period is over when you are actually unemployed.

The two-week rule does not apply automatically to all educations. Check your a-kasse rules for graduate membership. See also Unemployment fund (A-kasse) and Unemployment benefits for general requirements.