Extending unemployment benefit period
What does it mean?
The standard unemployment benefit period in Denmark is up to 2 years (104 weeks) within a 3-year period. When exhausted, you may re-earn entitlement by working at least 1,924 hours (approx. one year full-time) within a new qualifying period.
Partial extensions and special rules have applied during labour market reforms — check current legislation and your a-kasse for up-to-date details on extension and accrual (forlængelse og optjening).
Hours from part-time work, temp work and some other employment count toward re-earning, subject to conditions. Self-employment and certain subsidies may not count.
Plan ahead before your benefit period ends: contact your a-kasse early, explore job opportunities, training and other benefits (e.g. kontanthjælp, early retirement schemes if applicable).
Magnus Villumsen
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