Voluntary Work and Unemployment Benefits
Voluntary work (frivilligt arbejde) can help expand your network and develop new skills. You must apply for permission before engaging in voluntary work.
While unemployed, you can volunteer in social and humanitarian organisations without affecting your unemployment benefits (dagpenge).
You must still be available for the labour market if you choose to do voluntary work.
Read more about availability requirements on the unemployment benefits page
This means you must be able to accept a job, actively search for work, and attend meetings or any other required appointments with your unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse), job centre, or other service provider (anden aktør).
Applying for voluntary work
If you wish to do voluntary work or are already engaged in voluntary work when you become unemployed, you must apply for permission. You can do this by completing and submitting form AK071 Oplysninger om frivilligt, ulønnet arbejde (Information on voluntary, unpaid work)
Oplysninger om frivilligt, ulønnet arbejde (AK071)
You can find specific job postings and more information on www.frivilligjob.dk and www.seniorerudengraenser.dk (in Danish).
www.seniorerudengraenser.dk (in Danish)
Requirements for voluntary work
To volunteer while receiving unemployment benefits, the following conditions must be met:
- The work takes place in Denmark
- The work is not connected to private businesses or companies that operate for profit
You are not subject to employment obligations, such as receiving fees, allowances, holiday pay, etc.
Activities that do not reduce your unemployment benefits
A defining feature of these activities is that they are not offered as regular paid employment. They are usually hobby-related and done out of personal interest, such as:
- Serving coffee, chatting with guests, etc., in social cafés, or being a home visit volunteer
- Engaging in community work for church groups, housing associations, or scouting clubs
- Collecting donations or working as a shop assistant in second-hand shops supporting humanitarian organisations, such as the Danish Red Cross
Activities you can do for up to 44 hours per month
You may engage in up to 44 hours of voluntary work per month for activities that are typically paid positions, such as:
- Providing counselling, including telephone counselling, that requires specialised training.
- Working as a priest or psychologist in crisis centres or social/humanitarian institutions, organisations, or associations for vulnerable groups
- Acting as a legal advisor in legal aid services
Activities that reduce your unemployment benefits
Some activities will still lead to deductions from your unemployment benefits even if performed for a voluntary organisation. This applies when the work involves primary operations and maintenance. Please call us for guidance on this matter.