In Denmark, Maternity & Paternity Benefits are state benefits administered by Udbetaling Danmark (Public Benefits Administration). It provides a range of paid and unpaid leave options to support employees through significant life events such as childbirth and adoption. Here’s a breakdown of these entitlements:
Eligibility
You must be employed. The maximum maternity/paternity benefit is caped by the Public Benefits Administration.
If your salary is lower than this, you receive an amount equal to your average earnings.
You must have worked a minimum number of hours before the leave (typically 160 hours in the last 4 months, with at least 40 hours in 3 of those months).
Paid Leave Entitlements:
Maternity/Pregnancy Leave:
Duration: 14 weeks, including up to 4 weeks before the expected date of birth.
Compensation: 50% salary paid by the employer for up to 5 months. Employers can be reimbursed by the maternity fund for this payment.
Notification: Employees must inform their employer no later than 3 months before the expected time of birth.
New Parents of Twins (or More):
Additional Leave: 13 extra weeks are granted to parents of twins or more. This applies to both parents and also to adoptions of twins or more, provided the children are under 1 year old at the time of adoption.
Unpaid Leave Entitlements:
Paternity Leave (Second Parent):
Duration: 2 weeks within 14 weeks after childbirth.
Compensation: A daily maternity allowance is paid by the maternity fund.
Parental Leave:
Duration: 32 weeks available until the child is 9 years old.
Compensation: Daily allowance paid by the maternity fund.
Application for Benefits:
For maternity and paternity benefits, employees should apply through Udbetaling Danmark, the Danish maternity fund.
These provisions ensure that employees have adequate support and flexibility to balance their work and family responsibilities during critical periods.