Record high applications for school-start financial assistance in Denmark

The expenses associated with a child’s school start, including a backpack, pencil case, and lunchbox, can quickly add up. For many families, covering these costs can seem nearly impossible. This is evident at Dansk Folkehjælp, where applications for school-start financial assistance have reached a record high. This year, the organization received 2,879 requests for support, a number that has steadily increased over the past five years. In 2020, there were only 1,275 applications, signaling a growing inequality, according to General Secretary Mirka Mozer.

“Families in Denmark are under pressure and need an extra helping hand,” she states. As a result, 1,400 families across the country will receive gift cards worth 2,500 kroner. Mozer emphasizes the significant impact this will have, particularly for the children, as it allows them to start school with a backpack similar to their peers.

Reflecting on the importance of community, she says, “We all remember our first day of school. Being part of the group and not worrying about being left out is what we are helping with.”

Addressing inflation, Mozer notes that it is a critical factor in the increased need for financial aid. She highlights that 47,000 children live in poverty in Denmark, which she considers far too many. Rune Vammen Lesner, a senior researcher at VIVE, notes that while the overall poverty rate remains stable, inflation may have deepened the financial difficulties for some families. He points out that, on average, there is one child in each classroom who could be classed as poor.

Mozer adds that many families seeking help report significant financial strain, with 17 percent indicating they have only 1,000 kroner or less remaining after paying fixed expenses, highlighting their dire economic situation.