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What happens if you pay Udbetaling Danmark too late?

Public debt and reminders.

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Short answer

If you miss a payment deadline, Udbetaling Danmark sends a reminder with a fee of 250 kr (2026), and after that it adds no further fees or interest itself. There is no fee on reminders about housing benefit (boligstøtte), but there is on reminders about housing benefit loans. If the reminder is not paid, the debt is sent to Gældsstyrelsen, the state debt collection agency, and that makes it more expensive because other fees are added. Gældsstyrelsen can keep back money the public sector owes you, such as a tax refund; this is called modregning.

Practical info

Why

  1. Public debt follows the fee act (gebyrloven), not the private rules.
  2. Collection by Gældsstyrelsen adds further costs.
  3. A tax refund can be used to pay the debt.

Details

Udbetaling Danmark can assess your finances and offer an offset plan, an instalment plan or a decision that you may wait to pay.

Tip

If you cannot pay, contact Udbetaling Danmark before the debt goes to Gældsstyrelsen.

What may differ

Fees and collection rates for public debt are adjusted, so check the current rates before you pay.

Common misconception

Many think an instalment plan stops Gældsstyrelsen from taking money from refunds.

What actually happens

Gældsstyrelsen can still keep back money, because payment under a plan counts as paying after the original deadline.

People also ask

  • What is Gældsstyrelsen?
  • Can I get an instalment plan with Udbetaling Danmark?
  • How long do I have to complain about a decision?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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