Do Danish Children and Young People Receive Pocket Money?
Written by: Jens Bonke
This paper presents an analysis of which children and young people in Denmark receive pocket money, and how much they get. The analysis maps the relationships between pocket money and parents’ income, child’s age, after-school or weekend jobs, amount of homework done, and how many chores the child carries out in the home. The paper is based on data collected in the ROCKWOOL Foundation Research Unit Time Use and Consumption survey in 2008-09 through interviews with over 650 children aged 7-17 years. In order to identify trends in the provision of pocket money, the paper compares the extent of giving pocket money at the time of the survey with the extent 15 years previously. Among the conclusions of the study are:
- Fewer children aged 7-17 received pocket money than 15 years previously. In 1993 75 percent of children received pocket money; in 2009 it was only 66 percent.
- Children do not receive more pocket money if they do their homework or help around the house.
- On average, an only child receives twice as much in pocket money as a child with siblings.
Related publications

Research report
The impact of incentives and interview methods on response quantity and quality in diary- and booklet-based surveys
Go to research reportLatest releases on the same welfare topic

Video
Book Launch: The Future of Family Life – Should We Call Off the Fertility Crisis?
May 2025

Analysis
Fewer births shouldn’t cause panic: Educated women are having children – and their numbers are growing
May 2025

Knowledge overview
In contemporary family structures, female same-sex couples have the same opportunities for having a child as heterosexual couples
May 2025

Book
What We Know About the Family and Its Significance for Society and Well-being
May 2025