Family allowances in Belgium
Since the 6ᵗʰ State reform (2019), family allowances have been regionalised. Amounts, supplements and calendars differ in Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders and the Eastern Cantons.
How to know which region?
System modulated by age and number of children. Supplements for single-parent families, low incomes, children with disabilities.
Regional specifics
- Single-parent supplement up to €100/month depending on income
- Social supplement for low incomes (~€30/child)
- Annual back-to-school supplement (Aug/Sep): €30 to €110
- No automatic adjustment for grandparents — must be requested
2019 reform: single amount per child regardless of birth order. Supplements based on income and age.
Regional specifics
- Single allowance per child (no difference 1st/2nd/3rd)
- Progressive social supplement based on household income
- Age supplement from 12 and 18 years
- Annual youth supplement (August): €25 to €100
Most generous system for the first child. Flat allowance + educational supplements (kindergarten, compulsory schooling).
Regional specifics
- Kindergarten participation bonus (~€150/year)
- Annual back-to-school bonus 6-18 years: €30 to €65
- Social and care supplement (zorgtoeslag)
- Single-parent supplement possible
Autonomous system since 2019. Modeled on the Walloon system with some local specifics.
Regional specifics
- Amounts calculated like Wallonia
- Service in German only (FR/NL tolerated)
- Social and age supplements identical to Walloon model
- Registration of the child at the commune from birth (birth certificate) or upon arrival in Belgium.
- Choice of the fund from those approved in your region (often the former fund of your employer — or the public fund by default).
- Automatic payment each month into the indicated bank account — first payment ~6 to 8 weeks after request, with retroactivity from registration.
Tip: the amounts above are indicative and indexed twice a year. All funds have an online simulator to precisely calculate your rights based on your household composition and income.