Danish benefits to survivors in the event of death

Under certain circumstances you may have the right to benefits if a close relative dies. If you and your partner were both receiving a pension, you may have the right to a survivor’s pension for a fixed period. If you have the right to a survivor’s pension, you may also have the right to survivor’s allowance. If you are a child, you may have the right to a special child supplement if one or both of your parents die.

Survivor's pension if you and your spouse or partner receive a pension

If you live with a spouse or partner who is also in receipt of either disability pension, senior pension or retirement pension, your pension will continue to be paid for up to three months after your death. This is known as a survivor's pension. When the three months are up, the pension of your spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner will be adjusted to the rates and rules that apply to a single person.

Your next of kin do not need to do anything about your disability pension, senior pension or retirement pension in the event of your death. The National Registration Office will notify Udbetaling Danmark and your local authority, and an automatic decision will be made about what will happen to your pension. However, if you live abroad, your family should contact Udbetaling Danmark.

Survivor’s allowance

If your spouse or partner dies and you do not have the right to a survivor's pension, you may have the right to a survivor’s allowance. Survivor’s allowance is a one-off, taxable payment and you will need to apply for it. The amount paid depends on your income.

You can read more at borger.dk.

Special child supplement if your parents or guardians die

Udbetaling Danmark will automatically pay a special child supplement if one or both of a child's parents die. If both parents have died, the supplement is paid to the person providing for the child.

If you think you have the right to child supplement but are not receiving it, please contact Udbetaling Danmark.

Assistance with funeral expenses

You can apply for assistance with funeral expenses if the Probate Court has distributed all assets to beneficiaries and the deceased had the right to Danish health insurance. This applies irrespective of whether the deceased was buried or cremated.

The amount depends on the deceased person’s age, family circumstances, assets and the assets of any spouse. Assistance with funeral expenses is a one-off payment and is not taxable.

You can read more at borger.dk. about how to apply for assistance with funeral expenses.