Child benefit in Belgium
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Child benefit in Wallonia
Everything you need to know about the amounts, supplementary payments and benef…
Child benefit, what is it?
By definition, child benefit is an allowance provided by the Social Security system in Belgium. Specifically, these are sums of money paid to parents. Child benefit is made up of several payments that are made on a monthly or annual basis.
For how long? Child benefit is generally paid throughout childhood: from two months before birth until the year the child turns 25 years of age. The rates, amounts, entitlements and conditions are set by the regions: it therefore depends on whether you live in Brussels, Wallonia or Flanders. Child benefit helps to ensure that the cost of care and education weighs less heavily on the family budget.
- Maternity Allowance
- Basic amount
- Age supplementary payment or school grant
- Supplementary payment to child benefit depending on certain situations
- KidsLife guarantees the maximum amount you are entitled to
How to receive child benefit
Do you live or work in Belgium? You have the right to choose your child benefit fund, regardless of your employer or the sector in which you work. KidsLife is a child benefit fund recognised by the three regions and pays out allowances throughout Belgium.
How much child benefit are you entitled to?
Our calculator shows you the basic amount of benefits you receive every month, completely anonymously and without having to register. The calculation of child benefit and any supplementary payments is based on your income and your family situation.
What child benefits are common to all families?
All families receive the maternity grant, the basic amount and the age supplementary payment. As soon as your KidsLife membership is confirmed, payments can begin! The benefits will arrive in your account on the dates indicated by our calendar.
What is the basic amount of child benefit?
The Basic Amount is the money you receive every month from your child benefit fund. Just like a salary, it is paid the following month.
Example: child benefit for the month of July is paid at the beginning of August. The amount increases with age, regardless of the region. It varies from around €98 to €298.
If you have applied for the Maternity Allowance, you do not have to do anything to get the basic amount. This benefit is paid automatically for the month following that of the birth, i.e. at the beginning of the following month. Example: for a birth at the beginning of March, the child benefit is granted for the month of April and will be paid at the beginning of May.
Find out what basic amount you are entitled to in your region
Maternity allowance, child benefit?
The birth or arrival of a child, with a party to be organised – and that costs money! Like other agencies (mutual societies, etc.), the Child Benefit Fund pays a maternity grant, childbirth allowance or adoption grant to help parents. Apply for it before the birth, because it can be paid to you after the first five months of pregnancy!
When is child benefit paid?
Child benefit is paid at the beginning of the month. If you are entitled to supplementary payments (increased child benefit), these are paid at the same time. The age supplement (or school bonus) is paid in August, also included in the same payment as the basic amount.
The amount of child benefit depends on the regions
The region that pays the child benefit is determined by the place of residence of the parent responsible for the child. (Or the place of work in Belgium, if you live abroad and are entitled to receive child benefit.) Benefits, child benefit and increased allowances are paid prioritarily to the mother.
Join KidsLife for the payment of child benefit
At KidsLife, we make sure you don't miss a thing.
We make sure you receive the correct payment of your maternity grant and child benefit. And we offer practical budgetary advice and help with your family's official paperwork. The result? Our customers are very satisfied and give us an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Don’t miss out on anything related to your child’s development: join KidsLife now.
Why choose the KidsLife Child Benefit Fund?
Regularity
You are guaranteed to receive your child benefit payments on time. We always pay the correct amount and the maximum to which you are entitled according to the law and your family situation.
Goodwill
Have questions to ask or a complicated family situation, it happens! Our advisors will gladly meet you and take the time to explain the steps that need to be followed. Kindness and involvement: these are the words our customers use to describe their experience on the phone in our satisfaction survey.
Budget advice
You will find numerous tips in the newsletter on our website to keep you up to date on how to financially ensure your children’s happiness. You won’t miss a trick!
Life changes, child benefit too?
Are you in a specific situation? Or is there a change in the family situation? This may affect your Growth Package. View the different situations here.
Different situations in your family
- I recently moved to Belgium
- I am going to be a foster parent
- My income has fallen
- Divorce & Co-Parenting
- Living and/or working abroad
Specific situations for your child
Frequently asked questions
Child Benefit is always paid on the 8th of each month. If the 8th falls on a weekend, then we will pay it on the last working day prior to that weekend. Please check our payment calendar for the various payment dates.
The maximum age for Child Benefit and Growth Package entitlement is 25 years. From the age of 18 upwards, you must satisfy certain criteria in order to retain your Child Benefit and Growth Package entitlement. No regular or automatic substitute applies once your entitlement to Child Benefit has ceased. If your child was entitled to a Care Allowance due to a specific support requirement, then they may be entitled to a Disability Allowance once their Child Benefit entitlement has ceased. Please note that this is not an automatic entitlement. It must be requested and the application subsequently investigated.
Grandparents can receive Child Benefit for their grandchildren if they are registered at their address. This is on the condition that the parents are not registered at this same address.
The maximum Growth Package and Child Benefit entitlement is up to and including the month of your 25th birthday. The final payment will therefore take place at the beginning of the month following your 25th birthday. Please note that from the age of 18 upwards you must satisfy a number of criteria in order to retain your Child Benefit entitlement.
Moving house is a major event. KidsLife makes things easy. Simply change your address via your municipality’s registration service and we'll take care of the rest.
Moving abroad? Please let us know.
