A-kasse vs. union: what's the difference?
The a-kasse is insurance against unemployment. The union (fagforening) helps while you have a job. They are separate, and you can have one without the other.
| Union (fagforening) | A-kasse | |
|---|---|---|
| Helps you | While employed | When unemployed |
| Pays benefits | No | Yes, up to DKK 22,041/month |
| Price per month | DKK 69-694 | DKK 513-579 |
| Tax deduction | Up to DKK 7,000/year | Full amount |
Traditional unions (HK, 3F, IDA, Djøf and others) negotiate collective agreements for their profession. "Yellow" unions (Det Faglige Hus, Ase, Krifa, Frie) accept everyone, do not negotiate agreements and cost from DKK 69 per month.