Denmark plans pension rule overhaul to cut up to 800 million DKK annually

The Danish government intends to tighten senior-pension rules by requiring applicants to be assessed against the entire labour market instead of solely their most recent occupation. This change targets workers whose health restricts them to 15 hours of work per one outlet, allowing the state to save an estimated 200 million DKK in 2028 and up to 800 million DKK annually by 2030. Political reaction is split: Anders Vistisen of DF announced his party will oppose the reforms, and Ældre Sagen warned that broader assessments could lengthen the application process.

Conversely, the Confederation of Danish Industry praised the move, saying it could keep capable workers employed. The government also plans to raise the Arne early-retirement pension by roughly 3,000 DKK per month, from a current maximum of 15,650 DKK. Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard will unveil the budget proposal later today, pending agreement among coalition parties before the next election.