5 holiday tips for those who are unemployed

The summer holidays are approaching, and for many that means vacation. Are you available? Can you just drop the job search and sit back? Yes – you can. But there are some conditions you need to be aware of before you head out into the summer country. Get our answers to five typical questions from members when it comes to holiday.

Can I take holiday while on unemployment benefits?

Yes, as an unemployed unemployment benefit recipient, you have the right to take holiday just like everyone else. However, you cannot receive unemployment benefits while you are on holiday. Instead, you can receive the holiday pay you have earned from an employer or holiday benefits that you have earned from the unemployment insurance fund. Remember that you must notify the unemployment insurance fund or job centre no later than 14 days before you plan to take holiday. If you take your holiday within the first three months of your unemployment, it is us at the unemployment insurance fund that you must inform. If the holiday is planned after the first three months of your unemployment, you must inform the job centre. Then just pack your bags – we've got the finances under control.

How do I report holiday to the unemployment insurance fund?

You report holiday by logging in to our self-service at My A-kasse under holiday and filling in "Apply for holiday benefits". On the application form, you can see how many days of holiday benefits you have earned under "Statement of days with holiday benefits". Under the "Remainder" column, you can see how many days you have left.

Do I have to look for a job while on holiday?

We think you should use your holiday to relax and recharge. During the period in which you have reported that you are on holiday, you are not obliged to apply for a job or participate in meetings with the unemployment insurance fund or the job centre. When you return to everyday life as an unemployed person, the good summer holiday vibes can give your job search a boost. If you return while it is still high summer, get on with the applications – even the unsolicited ones. Think of the HR manager who sits sweating in the office, just waiting for a breath of fresh air from the outside.

How much can I receive in holiday benefits?

If you have been unemployed and received unemployment benefits from the start of the earning year until the holiday, you can be pleased to receive exactly the same in holiday benefits as your usual unemployment benefits.

But if you have not received unemployment benefits or maternity benefits for the entire period, then the calculation looks a little different. Here, you get holiday benefits calculated according to a fixed rate of 82% of the maximum unemployment benefits. And what does this mean in terms of money and cents? Well, the maximum unemployment benefit rate is DKK 20,359 per month, so 82% of that gives you DKK 16,694.38.

If you would like to have the money in your account a week before the holiday starts, you must be alert and submit your application no later than one month before. Then you are sure that everything is ready for your well-deserved break.

What if I am offered a job during my holiday?

Maybe you are lucky enough to be offered a job in the middle of your vacation. Even if it means packing away your swimwear and putting on your work clothes, it can be a great opportunity. Think long-term and constructive: This job can open many new doors and create opportunities that can be far more valuable than just another walk along the beach. If you choose to accept the job, remember to interrupt your holiday and inform both the unemployment insurance fund and the job centre of your changed plans, so that we can update your information – and we are happy with you about your new employment.