Social benefits in Greenland

Moving to Greenland

If you move to Greenland you are required to notify this to the population register. You need to notify your move to the municipal administration, where you have your permanent residence in Greenland.

How can I apply for social security in Greenland?

To receive social benefits you must meet the statutory requirements concerning the relevant benefit for which you have applied.

Contact the municipal administration when you wish to apply for a benefit.

The social security in Greenland

For information about:

• Family benefits
• Sickness benefit
• Pensions
  - old age pension
  - early retirement pension
• Unemployment benefit

Click on the subject in the menu above.

Housing allowance

You may be eligible for housing allowance if you live in rented accommodation.
Housing benefit is payable of the basis of the household’s total taxable income and the number of children that have their fixed abode in the house. Housing allowance is not paid if the number of living rooms exceeds the number of occupants by more than one.
Housing allowance is paid providing the annual taxable household income is below the predetermined limit. Households with incomes below the limited amount shall themselves pay a percentage of the estimated proportion of the rent.

Persons with disablities

Help to persons with severe disablities.
To ensure a life as normal as possible, you may be eligible for assistance or support according to county council regulations on assistance to persons with severe disabilities.

Where should I apply for social security from Greenland?

In general you should apply for social security benefits through the municipality where you are resident. If you have earned a pension in Greenland but are no longer resident there, you should contact the appropriate authority in your own Nordic country.

More information

For more information you can contact the Ministry of Family Affairs and Health or the local municipality, where you can apply for social benefits (see “How can I apply for social benefits in Greenland?”) You can also visit www.nanoq.gl for information about Greenland.
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