Rules on the right to parental maternity benefit were laid down

An absence period is calculated as one week when an employee has received maternity benefit for the maximum weekly number of hours. Employees who work reduced hours during the absence may receive maternity benefit for the number of hours the absence covers. Reduced maternity benefit can be paid when the absence amounts to at least 4 hours per week.

For self-employed persons, the calculation depends on how much work has been resumed. If work has been resumed with up to one quarter of the normal working time, the absence is calculated as three quarters of a week.

In certain cases, a parent may be exempted from parental leave reserved for that parent if the parent is employed in their own limited company or private limited company, of which the parent owns 100 per cent of the share capital, and has no other salary income. Exemption may also be granted if the parent owns more than 50 per cent, has the majority of the votes or controlling influence, and has no other salary income. A parent who is prevented by special circumstances may take reserved parental leave with maternity benefit within 3 years of the child's birth or placement. Udbetaling Danmark may, upon application, grant 9 extra weeks if the other parent cannot care for the child alone due to a disability.

An employee must apply for maternity benefit no later than 8 weeks after the birth or the child's placement. If the application is late, the right to maternity benefit lapses for the period before the application. Holiday with holiday pay is earned at 0.07 holiday days per calendar day.