Comparability

Comparability - geographical

The statistic is regulated by order by the EU and is also published by Eurostat via the ESSPROS-system (European System of Integrated Social PROtection Statistics), albeit in slightly different categories than those presented in the Danish Stat bank.

This makes the statistic internationally comparable with statistics in other countries reporting to the ESSPROS system in Eurostat.

Comparability over time

The European ESSPROS statistics (European System of integrated Social PROtection Statistics) - whose legislation and manuals are the base of this statistic - was developed by Eurostat in the late 1970’ies. Since then Eurostat has continuously been developing and designing the guidelines and methodological framework for the statistical system of ESSPROS, with which Eurostat – and EU – want to compare statistical, national data on social protection internationally. The current manual for the statistics is from 2019.

In 2007 an EU regulation was accepted in regards to the ESSPROS statistics, ensuing the restructuring of the predecessor of this statistic in 2012, which resulted in todays Social Protection Expenditure statistics.

The data in this statistic is also used in the work of the working group NOSOSCO (Nordic Health & Welfare Statistics), which makes comparable Nordic social statistics.

Coherence - cross domain

The statistic is comparable to the statistic for General Government Finances, which follows the principles of National Accounts. The statistic has comparable classifications with COFOG (Classification of the functions of government), which is a classification of government finances divided by functions.

Other relevant statistics, which describe other aspects of some of this statistic’s benefits, are:

· Cash benefits

· Sickness benefits

· Maternity leave benefits

· Old age and early retirement pensioners

· Disability

· Family allowances and child support

· Housing benefit

· Social benefits for elderly

· Unemployed persons

Coherence - internal

The statistic is internally consistent. Consistency in sources is ensured via quality checks and assurances and via three-year validation in the yearly data collection.