Studying abroad, but will move to Denmark before graduation - When to join A-kasse?
I will graduate this summer with a masters degree from SDU. I 've been living in Odense for almost one year but I left abroad to have an internship and write my thesis, therefore I stopped renting an apartment in Denmark. My question is that if I will move again in Denmark for example 2 weeks before my graduation will I be able to register for a-kasser benefits? Moreover I did not know that I had to become a member of an organization like MA A-kasse and I can't do it now because it says that I must be a resident of Denmark to become a member. Therefore, if I will become a member once I rent a home, let's day 2 weeks before the graduation. Is that all right?
Thanks in advance for your valuable help.
Best regards,
A.
1 Answer
Hi,
Yes, if you move to Denmark again, lets say two weeks before graduation, then you can become member of an A-kasse.
However, thats not automatically the same as you have the right to receive Unemployment benefits ("Dagpenge") after graduation.
For being eligible for getting Dagpenge after the special rule for graduates, you must:
- have had a permanent address in Denmark no later than one day before you commenced on your education/master at SDU, and
- be in Denmark again no later than 14 days (including weekends) after you end your education/graduation
You do not need to stay in Denmark during your education.
You dont tell us if you were living in Denmark when you commenced at SDU, so therefore we can not tell if you are eligible for Unemployment benefits.
But if you did, and you are an EU/EEA citizen, then there should be no problem about becoming a member of an A-kasse (when you are back in Denmark), and
also getting Dagpenge after graduation.
There is no requirement of prior memberhip periods for graduates. You only must remember to sign up at latest 2 weeks after graduation in
order to gain the graduate rights.
Let me know, if you need more information.
Best regards,
Anders, www.a-kasser.dk
Really, congratulations for your prompt, quick and detailed reply.
Just to clear the situation because I dont want to have any problems and I am considering of trying to find a job in Denmark.
1. I was living in Denmark and therefore rented an apartment 15 days before the start of my education in sdu.
2. I will rent again an apartment 2 weeks before my graduation date and therefore I will become a member of an organization like MA A-kasse as soon as have a residence in Denmark (Yes I am an EU/EEA citizen).
Therefore by being a member of MA A-kasse 2 weeks before my graduation plus all the details I gave you, is that sufficient to recieve unemployment benefits for as long as I dont find a job in Denmark?
Best regards,
A.
Yes it will be sufficient.
Maybe your A-kasse will ask for proof, that you actually were living in denmark before start of your education at SDU. But here you can use the tenant agreement for the apartment, if you still have that.
Finally I will inform you about, that from Jan 1, 2019 it will be a further requirement for being eligible for Dagpenge, that you have stayed in Denmark or another EU/EEA country for at
least 5 out of the 8 last years (at the time you apply for benefits).
This new requirement will be phased in over three years, so in 2021 it will be 7 out of the last 8 years.
If this requirement is relevant for you, you can read more about it here:
https://a-kasser.dk/requirement-of-7-years-of-stay-in-Denmark-or-eea/index.html
Best regards,
Anders