Housing Benefit (Boligstøtte) in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark provides means-tested housing benefits to help low-income residents afford rent:
- Boligsikring: Housing benefit for tenants — calculated based on income, rent, household size, and property size.
- Boligydelse: A more generous housing benefit for pensioners.
- The benefit is paid directly to you (or to the landlord by agreement) and is adjusted annually.
- There is a maximum eligible rent — benefit is not paid on rent above the cap.
- Children in the household increase the benefit amount.
When does it apply?
- You are a tenant in Denmark with a low to moderate income.
- You are a pensioner renting your home.
- You have a CPR number and a legal tenancy agreement.
What to Do If You Cannot Afford Your Rent and Need Housing Benefit in Denmark
- Apply through borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office.
- Provide your lease, income documentation, and household information.
- Report changes in income or household composition — overpayments must be repaid.
- If denied, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen (the Appeals Board).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't fail to report income changes — if your income increases and you don't report it, you may have to repay benefits with interest.
- Don't assume you're ineligible — even moderate-income households with children may qualify for partial support.
- Don't confuse boligsikring with boligydelse — the pensioner benefit (boligydelse) is significantly more generous.
Common Questions
Who qualifies for housing benefit (boligstøtte) in Denmark?
You qualify if you are a tenant with a low to moderate income, or a pensioner renting your home. You must have a CPR number and a legal tenancy agreement. Boligsikring is for tenants, boligydelse is a more generous benefit for pensioners. Even moderate-income households with children may qualify for partial support.
How do I apply for housing benefit in Denmark?
Apply through borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office. Provide your lease, income documentation, and household information. The benefit is calculated based on income, rent, household size, and property size, and is paid directly to you (or to the landlord by agreement). Children in the household increase the amount.
What happens if my income changes while receiving boligsikring?
You must report changes in income or household composition — overpayments must be repaid, potentially with interest. There is also a maximum eligible rent, so benefit is not paid on rent above the cap. Benefits are adjusted annually. If denied, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen (the Appeals Board).
When does it apply — housing benefit (boligstøtte)?
You are a tenant in Denmark with a low to moderate income.You are a pensioner renting your home.You have a CPR number and a legal tenancy agreement.
What should I do if I am struggling to pay rent and want to apply for boligsikring in Denmark?
Apply through borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office.Provide your lease, income documentation, and household information.Report changes in income or household composition — overpayments must be repaid.If denied, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen (the Appeals Board).
What should you NOT do — housing benefit (boligstøtte)?
Don't fail to report income changes — if your income increases and you don't report it, you may have to repay benefits with interest.Don't assume you're ineligible — even moderate-income households with children may qualify for partial support.Don't confuse boligsikring with boligydelse — the pensioner benefit (boligydelse) is significantly more generous.