Unemployment and
maternity leave
If you are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits, you are automatically entitled to parental benefit when you take leave.
As an employee, you are entitled to parental benefit under certain conditions if you do not receive a salary during your parental leave. If you are self-employed, you can also, under certain conditions, receive parental benefit during your leave.
It is not the unemployment fund that pays out parental benefits
If you need to apply for parental benefit or just want to know more, contact Udbetaling Danmark.
Unemployed and on maternity leave
When you are unemployed, the earliest you can go on maternity leave is four weeks before the expected date of birth.
Parental leave must be reported to Udbetaling Danmark and then the case is processed electronically.
On the day your maternity leave ends, you must again register as unemployed on Jobnet and notify your unemployment insurance fund.
Overview and links
Payment of parental benefits via Payment Denmark
Notification of the start and end of your maternity leave at Jobnet and to Artists' unemployment insurance fund
Rules for maternity leave and parental benefits can be found at borger.dk
Read more about maternity leave and parental benefits
You can find more information about parental leave rules and parental benefits at borger.dk, which brings together information, guidance and self-service from the Danish municipalities, regions and the state.