Being a Member
As a member of Akademikernes A-kasse, you’ll get tailored advice suited to your industry and the current stage of your career.
There are many good reasons to join Akademikernes A-kasse. We specialise in getting unemployed academics back to work. Our career advisors are experts in your specific field. And we’re one of Denmark’s most affordable unemployment insurance funds for academics.
If you wish to switch from another unemployment insurance fund to Akademikernes A-kasse, your rights (seniority) will be carried over when you make the transfer. However, it is important that you don’t cancel your membership with your current unemployment insurance fund first. You simply apply for membership with us by filling out the membership form and we’ll handle the transfer from your current unemployment insurance fund.
How to switch unemployment insurance funds
We recommend signing up as a free student member if you’re a student
See the benefits of a student membership
Why become a member of Akademikernes A-kasse?
Your eligibility for unemployment benefits provides you with better security
No unemployment insurance fund, no unemployment benefits (dagpenge). Joining Akademikernes A-kasse provides insurance against the risk of having no income if you find yourself unemployed (ledig). As a member, you’ll be entitled to unemployment benefits for at least a year if you’re newly graduated and up to two years if you’re an employee.
You must, however, meet the criteria for receiving unemployment benefits.
It is precisely the same principle as with any other insurance company.
You receive unemployment benefits regardless of your wealth and what your spouse or cohabiting partner may earn.
Students can join for free and get help finding a student job
With a free student membership, you’ll be assured of the right to unemployment benefits from day one after completing your studies, should you find yourself without a job. Usually, you’d have to wait a month, but if you’ve been a student member for a year or more, you’ll avoid this waiting period.
You’ll also be offered a wide range of courses, workshops, events and, not least, job search assistance to help you find a relevant student job.
Learn about part-time membership
Read more about student membership
New graduates need to choose between rights
If you’re switching to a new membership as newly graduated, you must know your rights within your current unemployment insurance fund. You must choose between your existing rights and those of a new graduate. You won’t be able to change your mind about this later.
New graduate with new graduate rights
If you choose to transfer with graduate rights, you’ll be entitled to one year of unemployment benefits after you receive your final grade.
- If you’ve been a member for at least a year, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits the day after you receive your final grade.
- If you’ve been a member for less than a year, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits one month after you receive your final grade.
However, you must apply for the transfer no later than 14 days after receiving your final grade.
You’ll be paid the rate applicable to new graduates (dimittendsatsen).
Learn more about the 14-day deadline for new graduates
See how much you’ll get in benefits as a new graduate
New graduate with existing rights
If you apply for a transfer with your current rights, you must apply for membership within four weeks after completing your studies.
You’ll get the same entitlement to unemployment benefits with Akademikernes A-kasse as you currently have in your unemployment insurance fund. This means that you won’t receive benefits based on your status as newly graduated.
Therefore, you’ll only be able to receive unemployment benefits from us if you’re already entitled to them from your current unemployment insurance fund.
If you’re unsure which type of transfer is best for you, you can contact your current unemployment insurance fund.
Self-employed individuals can also become members
If you’re self-employed, we also offer options tailored to your needs.
Learn more about our offers and your eligibility for unemployment benefits if you are or have been self-employed.
Learn about your unemployment benefit options if you’ve been self-employed
Just arrived in Denmark from abroad?
Were you covered by an unemployment insurance in the Faroe Islands, Switzerland, or another EEA country before applying for membership with Akademikernes A-kasse? In that case, you can transfer your seniority from that country.
You must have your primary residence in Denmark at the time of your membership application, and you must apply for membership within eight weeks of cancelling your unemployment insurance in another EEA country.
Feel free to call us, and we’ll help you get started.