Accuracy and reliability

Overall accuracy

The statistics are based on an administrative register covering the entire population. Statistics Denmark receives data from ATP after the end of each quarter. This is 3 months after the payment of most benefits and allowances. In cases where Udbetaling Danmark has not paid the correct amount, a subsequent correction is made and included in the register when the correction is effectuated. Hence, the data in the statistics are not revised back in time. Also note that temporary child benefits are paid out 2 monthes later than the period they have been granted for. They are accounted for in the month they are paid out.

Sampling error

Not relevant for these statistics.

Non-sampling error

The statistics show the number of people who have received or in some cases returned benefits or allowances. The register has full coverage, and amounts in the register are coherent with the benefit and allowance rates. Therefore, the accuracy of the statistics is considered to be good. Rarely, benefits or allowances are paid to the wrong parent or the paid amount is wrong. In these cases, a correction is made, which is included in the statistics when the correction is effectuated. This means that individuals can be included in the statistics with negative amounts if benefits are returned or larger amounts than the legislation indicates if they receive benefits covering earlier periods.

Quality management

Statistics Denmark follows the recommendations on organisation and management of quality given in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and the implementation guidelines given in the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF). A Working Group on Quality and a central quality assurance function have been established to continuously carry through control of products and processes.

Quality assurance

Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.

Quality assessment

Full population coverage. From 2017Q1 data includes adjustments made due to erroneous payouts in the preceding quarters. Prior to 2017 this was not included.

Data revision - policy

Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.

Data revision practice

Only final figures are published.