Government food assistance programs in Denmark have sparked considerable controversy due to the way these financial benefits are distributed, after it emerged that some beneficiaries are not considered to be among the groups most in need of support, according to BT.
The source explained that the purpose of the check was to provide financial support to alleviate the living burdens on certain categories of citizens and residents, but criticism escalated after cases appeared that were described as illogical within the lists of beneficiaries.
Reports revealed that deceased and wealthy individuals received the check.
BT has reported previously that deceased people were among those eligible for the “food check,” while some families with children were denied support.
The website added that around 13,000 pensioners receiving government pensions would also have received the check, even though some of them possess fortunes worth millions of kronor, which opened the door to criticism regarding the eligibility criteria.
Only 11 people refused to receive support.
BT quoted Udbetaling Danmark as saying that authorities had given citizens the option to refuse the “food voucher,” but only 11 Danes chose to forgo it.
According to the agency, the value of the support amounts to 2,500 Danish kroner, and it will be disbursed automatically during the months of May and June 2026.
Money can be refunded after receipt
According to BT, Udbetaling Danmark stated that citizens who receive the money and then decide not to keep it can return the funds to the authorities later.
The disbursement of this financial assistance was agreed upon and planned during the previous SVM government's term in office, in cooperation with the SF and Enhedslisten parties. The "food check" program was introduced as part of the economic support measures for citizens in light of rising food prices.
